5G Patent Ownership and Licensing Trends Report

This report analyzes the competitive landscape of 5G patent ownership and licensing, focusing on over 85,000 5G patent families declared to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). It outlines the significant growth in granted 5G patents, which have more than doubled from 2021 to 2024, and highlights the leading patent owners, including Huawei, Qualcomm, and Ericsson. The report discusses the geopolitical implications of the 5G patent race and the rising importance of reliable patent data in determining fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) rates. It introduces the 'Cellular Verified' initiative aimed at enhancing the accuracy of patent declarations and addresses the challenges faced in the 5G SEP licensing market, including the need for a global strategy in litigation across various jurisdictions. The report emphasizes the evolving nature of 5G technology and its impact on future licensing strategies as many patents approach expiration, necessitating strategic portfolio management.