HMD Seeks Samsung-Huawei Deal Docs to Defend Against Huawei Lawsuits

HMD Global is seeking U.S. court assistance to obtain documents related to a 2019 settlement between Samsung and Huawei. This is part of HMD’s defense against Huawei’s patent infringement lawsuits in Germany.

HMD claims Huawei offered Samsung better licensing terms, which could violate fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) principles. The goal is to prove that Huawei’s licensing offer to HMD is not FRAND-compliant. A U.S. judge has ordered discussions between HMD and Samsung regarding this discovery request.

In another lawsuit held in Germany, the Munich court has postponed its ruling in a SEP (Standard Essential Patent) dispute between VoiceAge and HMD. The European Commission has also intervened, urging German courts to align with Huawei/ZTE guidelines on FRAND licensing. HMD has removed EVS functionality from devices sold in Germany and is appealing judgments, arguing that VoiceAge’s enforcement constitutes an abuse of dominance.

It isn’t easy for HMD to gain a share of the European market. While winning these lawsuits might help, launching a decently specced device could do the same or better. So far, the only devices worth considering are the Skyline and Nokia 3210, although they aren’t perfect.

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Thx KaizerAllen for the tip 😉