LTE Smartphone Killer NPEs

TechIPm’s research for patents that are directly related to smartphone LTE implementation in the current US market as of January 15, 2013 reveals that there are more than 400 issued patents shared by more than 20 IPRs holders. According to GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association), there are 83 LTE enabled smartphones as of 2Q 2012.  It is also expected that the number of LTE enabled smartphones will be doubled in two years. These facts imply that there are enough number of smartphone LTE patents for bring patent infringement lawsuits and products which can be involved in the patent disputes any time soon.

TechIPm researched patent portfolios of smartphone LTE IPR holders that do not manufacture LTE Smartphones (potential NPEs) in the current US market. The research reveals that InterDigital, Ericsson, Texas Instruments, and ETRI hold the most threatening smartphone LTE patent portfolios to smartphone manufactures.

InterDigital is the most notorious NPE in mobile handset industry. InterDigital holds more than 20 issued patents including seven LTE standard-essential patent candidates as of January 15, 2013. InterDigital’s LTE patents are developed well strategically to cover key technologies that are essential for LTE smartphone implementation.

As can be seen in recent patent lawsuit against Samsung and more than 2000 patents acquisition by Unwired Planet, Ericsson can be a potent NPE for LTE smartphone manufactures in the US. Ericsson holds more than 30 issued patents including three LTE standard-essential patent candidates as of January 15, 2013. Most of Ericsson’s LTE patents are characterized by high forward citations. Ericsson actually used two LTE standard essential patents in recent ITC litigation against Samsung.

Even if Texas Instruments manufactures some chipsets related to LTE smartphones, Texas Instruments can be a potential NPE for LTE smartphone manufactures considering its aggressive patent exploiting strategy. Texas Instruments holds nearly 20 issued patents including four LTE standard-essential patent candidates as of January 15, 2013.

ETRI is a well-known non-profit research institute in S. Korea. In year 2010, ETRI sued 22 mobile phone manufactures over 3G mobile patents. ETRI holds nearly 20 issued patents including three LTE standard-essential patent candidates as of January 15, 2013.


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