The European Commission’s New Standard Essential Patents – Top Three Takeaways
On November 29, 2017, the European Commission (EC) issued a highly-anticipated Communication on the licensing practices for standard essential patents (SEPs). The EC issued the Communication to provide a “balanced, smooth and predictable framework for SEPs” that will contribute to “the development of the Internet of Things and harnessing Europe's lead role in in this context.” For more details on the Communication, we’ve written a comprehensive summary here. We know that open standards provide an unparalleled foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship, [...]
Smart Cities: Connecting Your Community Through Technology
Imagine a thriving metropolis that provides its residents with shorter commutes, multi-modal transportation, and the ability to park “smarter.” What if this urban oasis also optimized its resource consumption through environmentally-conscious waste management and green buildings, smart meters, and a focus on renewable energy sources? This mythical-sounding place exists, and it’s called a Smart City. Though the concept of a Smart City has been the buzz for several years, there is no firm definition for the term. Pew Charitable Trusts [...]
Where We Stand: Net Neutrality
Americans across the country are watching the contentious debate on net neutrality. Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to repeal their 2015 Title II Order. This issue will impact everyone throughout the internet ecosystem – from internet service providers to content hosts, app developers to internet users – and each has a position on the merits of an open internet and how it should be implemented. Here’s where we stand on net neutrality. ACT | THE APP ASSOCIATION STRONGLY [...]
Republic of Korea’s Highest Court Upholds Landmark KFTC Corrective Order in Support of FRAND
Last month, the Supreme Court of Korea, the Republic of Korea's highest court, issued an important ruling that will have a wide impact on standard essential patents (SEPs) and fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing practices. In December 2016, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) issued a Corrective Order against Qualcomm, fining them $951 million for anti-competitive behavior, including the abuse of FRAND commitments, and requiring them to change their licensing practices in the future. Qualcomm appealed the KFTC decision [...]
The Past, Present, and Future of Spectrum Policy: What Stifles Innovation Along the Way?
Image Credit: NASA The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is at the center of a hearty discussion about ways to leverage electromagnetic spectrum to bridge America’s digital divide. Today, several spectrum bands remain unlicensed and underutilized while more than 34 million Americans do not have access to fast broadband or the benefits and efficiencies it brings. To understand why the spectrum debate is so contentious, we must unpack the history of spectrum and the events that made it such [...]
H-APP-Y Holidays: ACT | The App Association’s Gift Giving Guide
By Caitlin Irr It’s that time of year again: the season of twinkling lights, cold weather, long shopping lists, cranky cashiers, and anxious gift givers – and receivers. You know what I’m talking about – the holiday season! Keep your days merry, bright, and stress-free by taking a few shopping suggestions from your holiday elves at ACT | The App Association. Regardless of your budget, or the date of your next holiday party, we’ve found season app-ropriate apps for everyone [...]