Developing Story
UK SEP/FRAND Licensing Reform
The UK Intellectual Property Office has announced plans to explore court-anchored FRAND determination proceedings and new transparency measures for standard-essential patent licensing, a development with major implications for global tech patent litigation.
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## Overview
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has announced measures to increase transparency and efficiency in standard-essential patent (SEP) licensing, including exploring a "court-anchored" FRAND determination proceeding.
## Key Developments
- UKIPO issued a press release announcing guidelines and administrative procedures for SEP licensing transparency (IPWatchdog, Oct 13).
- The government intends to "explore the introduction of a court-anchored" proceeding for determining fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) royalty rates, though some SEP owners welcomed the measures as relief from more aggressive proposed royalty rate proceedings and mandated disclosures (IPWatchdog, Oct 13).
## Strategic Importance
SEP/FRAND disputes are central to major tech and telecom licensing battles globally; UK policy shifts here will influence patent litigation strategy, licensing negotiations, and forum selection for IP owners and implementers worldwide.