Press Release: Antitrust: Commission accepts legally binding commitments by Samsung Electronics on standard essential patent injunctions

On 29 April 2014, the European Commission rendered commitments offered by Samsung Electronics (Samsung) legally binding under EU antitrust rules. According to these commitments, Samsung would not seek injunctions in Europe on the basis of its standard essential patents (SEPs) for smartphones and tablets against licensees who sign up to a specified licensing framework. Under this framework, any dispute over what are fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (so-called "FRAND") terms for the SEPs in question would be determined by a court, or if both parties agree, by an arbitrator.

European Commission: DG Competition http://ec.europa.eu/competition/index_en.html

ESO: Background information: Antitrust: Commission opens proceedings against Samsung http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-antitrust-commission-opens-proceedings-against-samsung/

ESO: Background information: Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Samsung on potential misuse of mobile phone standard-essential patents http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-antitrust-commission-sends-statement-of-objections-to-samsung-on-potential-misuse-of-mobile-phone-standard-essential-patents/

ESO: Background information: Antitrust: Commission consults on commitments offered by Samsung Electronics regarding use of standard essential patents http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-antitrust-commission-consults-on-commitments-offered-by-samsung-electronics-regarding-use-of-standard-essential-patents/

European Commission: RAPID: Press Release, IP/14/489: Antitrust: Commission finds that Motorola Mobility infringed EU competition rules by misusing standard essential patents http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-489_en.pdf

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/14/322: Antitrust decisions on standard essential patents (SEPs) - Motorola Mobility and Samsung Electronics - Frequently asked question http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-322_en.pdf

European Commission: RAPID: SPEECH/14/345: Introductory remarks on Motorola and Samsung decisions on standard essential patents http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-14-345_en.pdf

EurActiv, 30.04.14: Antitrust action against Motorola, Samsung over Apple injunctions http://www.euractiv.com/sections/infosociety/antitrust-action-against-motorola-samsung-over-apple-injunctions-301833

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