Articles and reports

Read more on topics related to patents and licensing.

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Ericsson’s leadership in HEVC: transforming consumer electronics and streaming experiences

Since the 1980s, Ericsson has been building video codec standards. This includes Advanced Video Coding (AVC/H.264) in 2003, High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC/H.265) in 2013, and Versatile Video Coding (VVC/H.266) in 2020. Currently, we are working on next-generation codecs for the 6G era. This article focuses on HEVC, which is now embedded in most consumer electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, televisions, and set-top boxes.

Image produced for the Network evolution page on .com.

Ericsson’s 5G leadership driving global digital transformation

Countries around the globe are undergoing a massive digital transformation. At the heart of this, 5G plays a crucial role in enabling connectivity across industries. Acting as a catalyst for digital transformation, 5G’s ultra-fast, ultra-reliable connectivity supports a wide range of cutting-edge applications across different sectors.

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How Ericsson’s technology leadership is shaping the future of communications

Ericsson has continuously redefined the telecommunications landscape through its commitment to innovation and collaboration. Underlying everything is a commitment to leadership in the standardization process that keeps the cycle of cellular innovation moving forward at a rapid pace. By investing in research and development, we ensure that cycle remains unbroken, helping shape both current and future generations of wireless technology.

Ericsson’s road to 6G patent leadership

The next generation of cellular technology, 6G, now moves from pre-standardization research to the 3GPP Study Item phase. In this article Christina Petersson, Ericsson Chief IP Officer, looks at groundbreaking innovations anticipated for 6G, and how Ericsson is driving the early development of 6G technologies.

In response to the complaint against Ericsson by Lenovo to ETSI

MARCH 31, 2025. As a leading innovator and contributor to standards-development organizations, Ericsson made a contractual commitment under the ETSI IPR Policy: that it would be prepared to grant licenses under its standards essential patents on FRAND terms and conditions. This commitment has facilitated hundreds of license agreements to Ericsson’s cellular essential patent portfolio, usually without litigation. And Ericsson lived up to its commitment in negotiations with Lenovo.

5G Transport portfolio—rooftop macro site in Frankfurt

Ericsson just reached 6,000 5G patent declarations – but that's not the best way to assess our patent strength

JUNE 19, 2024. Ericsson has been leading the charge on 5G since its beginning and has now made 6,000 5G patent declarations. Patent declarations are a metric used by some media to identify the companies that have leading patent portfolios – but should they be?

Cellular standards: Often overlooked, but critical to technological progress

When we in the telecommunications industry talk about standardization, we’re referring to a process where representatives from industry, academia and government come together to collaboratively develop cutting-edge solutions and technologies. It’s essential to innovation – and patents are a critical aspect of the system.

Reform of standard essential patents licensing in the European Union

At Ericsson, we are proud of the long-standing contribution our technologies have made to innovation around the world. The proposed reform of the standard essential patents (SEP) framework in the EU puts the global standardization ecosystem at risk.

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Celebrating the past, present, and future of European invention

DEC 7, 2022. Europe has a long legacy of harnessing its people’s inventive potential to accelerate progress. But in an increasingly competitive world, how can the continent ensure it carries this legacy forward into the 21st century, and empowers the European inventors of the future? This was one of the questions that took center stage at the inaugural European Inventors Week (EIW).

Technician on site where Ericsson technology provides connectivity

How a virtuous cycle encourages innovation

Standard development is the foundation of the cellular industry, and keeps the cycle of innovation moving at an accelerated pace. A strong patent system helps protect that cycle and the inventors working toward practical solutions for a better world.

Into the Digital Decade: Fostering EU tech innovation through a strong IPR framework

JUNE 14, 2021. As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the audience at the 2021 Digital Assembly, it was evident that the European Union and its institutions are fully committed to the EU digital transformation. The aim is to boost the Union’s competitiveness and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, all while promoting a once-in-a-generation green transformation. To achieve this, ambitious targets have been set for 2030, detailed in the Digital Compass. What can Europe do to increase its chances of success?

Celebrating World IP Day 2021: The Key Role of Intellectual Property Rights for SMEs in Europe

APR 26, 2021. In every sector, businesses of all sizes have had to overcome enormous challenges over the past twelve months. Today, with a slowly brightening economic outlook ahead, companies and policymakers are reflecting on how the lessons learned during this time can shine a light on the path towards recovery.

Man using virtual reality (VR) equipment in a digital environment

VVC: The key to next-generation media services

DEC 11, 2020. Versatile Video Coding (VVC), a new video compression codec with major contributions from Ericsson, will power video-driven innovations like immersive VR.

Time to celebrate European inventors

OCT 1, 2020. With such large-scale transformation laying ahead, we want to inspire the next generation of inventors that will drive Europe into the future. Together with Think Young - a think tank seeking to involve young people in decision-making processes by shedding the light on key issues affecting them - we’re launching a campaign to do just that.

Lessons from COVID-19: Connectivity matters in a time of crisis

APR 27, 2020. Across the globe, many of us are sheltering in place, practicing social distancing and working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Mobile networks across Europe are proving a critical backbone amid this pandemic.

The EU and European innovators must take part in shaping global 5G standards. Here's why

NOV 11, 2019. In her mission letter to the Commissioner-designate for the Internal Market, Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of “investing in the next frontier of technologies (…), jointly defining standards for 5G networks and new-generation technologies”.