Statement from Mike Sax, founder and chairperson of ACT | The App Association, on today’s European Parliament plenary vote regarding the Regulation addressing standard-essential patent (SEPs) licensing:
‘The App Association welcomes the overwhelming vote by the European Parliament (EP) plenary to improve transparency and predictability in the system for licensing standard-essential patents (SEPs).
‘Today’s vote is especially encouraging to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been unable to get the FRAND licenses they need to use standards in their products. The Parliament has clearly recognised the central role that SMEs and startups play in the innovation process and the development of the European economy. A SEP licensing ecosystem with increased transparency, predictability, and efficiency is a prerequisite to improving the competitiveness of EU businesses, especially for SMEs.
‘While we are encouraged by today’s vote, we also believe that there is room for further improvement and refinement, as the Regulation makes its way through the European Institutions. The App Association will continue to engage in the policy discussions and work with all stakeholders, including the European institutions, while advocating for fair licensing for SMEs of the patented technologies that are essential to implement standards’.