Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) has recently won some patent cases against HTC Corp (TPE:2498), and those cases could be pivotal in Nokia’s future. Analysts at JPMorgan Cazenove suggest that these cases provide some clues about how intellectual property can unlock value at the struggling Finnish company.
Nokia’s non-SEP portfolio remains strong
There are two main types of patents: standards essential and non-standards essential. Standards essential patents are those companies are required to license to others because they explain the technical aspect of technology that is needed for an essential use. However, it is the non-essential patents (non-SEPs)which analysts Sandeep Deshpande, Rod Hall and their teams at JPMorgan Cazenove are focused on.
Last week a ruling in the U.K. decided that some HTC devices were infringing upon some of Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V)’s non-SEPs. The flagship HTC One was included in that case, which make the win an especially big one for Nokia. The company is also pursuing other companies in other courts.
Nokia seeks ban on HTC phones
Now the case moves on to the damages phase, and Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) is going to try to get the HTC Corp (TPE:2498) devices named in the suit banned from import. It also wants financial compensation for the infringement. Of course HTC will probably appeal the decision, so this case, like most other patent cases, will probably be tied up in court for a long time.
In addition to the U.K. case last week, Nokia also enjoyed some other victories, like a preliminary ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission in September. According to JPMorgan Cazenove analysts, Nokia has pursued more than 50 non-SEP patents against HTC in a number of courts. They suggest that all of these wins add up to significant value in Nokia’s patent portfolio.
Nokia likely to pursue Qualcomm customers
Another area in which Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) could pursue companies for patent infringement is customers of QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM). The analysts point out that there is precedent for Qualcomm customers not having pass-through rights for the licensing agreement between Nokia and Qualcomm. As a result, Nokia could be filing even more patent cases against QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) customers.
