Brussels, Belgium – The European Commission announced that it would like to withdraw the proposed Standard-Essential Patent (SEP) Regulation. Mike Sax, founder and chairperson of ACT | The App Association, an international trade association for app developers, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tech sector, released the following statement:
‘The Commission’s requested withdrawal of the SEP Regulation is a missed opportunity to tackle the serious challenges SMEs face in securing fair licenses for standard-essential patents. Without these licenses, SMEs cannot build on standards, innovate, or grow their businesses.
‘The European Parliament further recognised these issues and overwhelmingly supported the Regulation, even strengthening the Commission’s original proposal. Withdrawing it before a fair discussion in the Council is an unprecedented mistake undermining SMEs and their ability to innovate.
‘By withdrawing the SEP Regulation, the Commission would ignore the Council, Parliament, and thousands of EU SMEs that rely on fair and transparent licensing of SEPs to build products. SMEs drive innovation in the EU, and supporting them is an investment in Europe’s future.
‘The App Association will keep advocating for our members as they develop transformative solutions across Europe. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to tackle the challenges the Commission and Parliament have recognized.’
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About ACT | The App Association: The App Association is a global trade association for small and medium-sized technology companies. Our members are entrepreneurs, innovators, and independent developers within the global app ecosystem that engage with verticals across every industry. We work with and for our members to promote a policy environment that rewards and inspires innovation while providing resources that help them raise capital, create jobs, and continue to build incredible technology.