An initiative between Nordic Semiconductor and Sisvel is providing a simple, efficient way for IoT device makers to obtain end-product licences from more than 30 patent owners holding LTE-M and NB-IoT standard essential patents (SEPs).

The agreement with Italian patent pool administrator Sisvel creates a framework for easy and transparent access to the LTE-M and NB-IoT radio technology standards for a diverse range of IoT applications.

It addresses the challenges posed by the diversity within the cellular IoT market, in which a multitude of companies – from startups to established corporations – are innovating. The initiatives being rolled out in areas such as smart health, energy, cities and asset tracking are at risk of stalling because of the lack of predictability and transparency in the access to and the cost of SEP licensing.

By offering standardised licences, the agreement should reduce business uncertainty and the possibility of litigation. This will allow companies to focus on developing products and services for the IoT market.

“Nordic Semiconductor has always been at the forefront of wireless technology and we understand the importance of accessible and standardised licensing for the advancement of the IoT industry,” said Øyvind Birkenes, Nordic executive vice president. “We believe this is a significant step towards a more efficient future for cellular IoT development.”

Sisvel (www.sisvel.com) CEO Mattia Fogliacco added: “We are thrilled to have a unique licensing programme for cellular IoT backed by more than 30 patent owners, and we believe this new agreement with Nordic addresses a critical need in the IoT ecosystem. Our goal is to create a balanced and transparent licensing environment that supports innovation and growth for all stakeholders.”

And Kristian Sæther, Nordic’s product director for cellular IoT, said: “We have worked hard with Sisvel and the SEP owners in its pool over the last year to broker this agreement because the IoT market urgently needs transparency and predictability. Existing SEP licensing in the IoT space is up in the air, putting countless SMEs across the globe developing wireless products in limbo. This new agreement offers efficiency and predictability to our customers. We look forward to seeing our peers and competitors recognise the importance of this work, and joining the pool, so that the entire cellular IoT market can operate with more predictability, and on a level playing field.”

Nordic Semiconductor (www.nordicsemi.com) is an end-to-end wireless connectivity provider, with a position in Bluetooth Low Energy, and emerging in cellular IoT, NR+ and wifi wireless technologies, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, and power management.