Microsoft's Nokia acquistion has
sparked concerns among the associations of South Korean technological
manufacturers about possible opportunities for patent abuse. As the
two companies are undergoing business combination reviews in the
country under supervision by the Fair Trade Commission, local
manufacturers have petitioned the bureau about the possible
consequences of the merger. Reportedly, they fear that Microsoft
could utilize Nokia's large patent portfolio in anti-competitive
practices.
This sounds quite ambiguous, as
Microsoft doesn't actually own Nokia's patents - it has only licensed
them for use in products. Likewise, Korean firms fear that Nokia has
the ability to use MS' mobile patents to sue or demand increased
royalties from Korean firms if it chooses to do so. Or in other
words, to become a "patent troll". Again, this seems
unjustified, as the company only has “reciprocal rights” to use
Microsoft patents in its HERE services.
Earlier this year, Nokia's CTO Henry
Tirri explained that after handing over its mobile business to
Microsoft, the company will turn its focus to technological research,
development, and patent licensing. Nokia has one of the largest
communication portfolios in the industry and it's understandable that
it will be looking to turn it into a revenue source. It seems
that the company's new patent-centric business is making Asian
manufacturers feel uneasy about its presence. However, Tirri insists
that Nokia will not become a patent troll, but it will follow other
licensing companies' good business practices.
Nokia's Microsoft acquisition has
already been approved in the USA, Europe, and India, but it's yet to
get an "yes" from Korean and Chinese authorities.
sources: Business
Korea, Nokia
Power User
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