Open standards development supports market entry for all players, encourages innovation, and benefits consumers and society globally. The current model enables European players to make significant R&D investments, work collaboratively, and achieve the critical mass needed to compete on a global scale.
The success of this model depends on the ability of innovative technology leaders to provide access to their inventions to anyone who needs to implement them. This “access for all” approach offers the most efficient way to share technology: licensing at a single point in the value chain. It aligns with EU calls for a balanced, predictable, and efficient approach that ensures rapid access to foundational technologies.
In contrast, some advocate a "license to all" approach to standardisation. This is counterproductive to EU objectives and could result in technology lock-in. It could put European strategic autonomy at risk, in a market dominated by a few powerful players, with proprietary standards and operating systems.
Get started with this short video: How the open standards development process works
EXPLAINERS
Cellular Technology Standards: the Basics
Learn what open cellular technology standards are and how they drive evolution of wireless communications.
The Benefits of Open Cellular Technology Standards
Open standards development has transformed the world over the past 30 years. Your smartphone, and all the services you have at your fingertips, would not exist without cellular technology standards.
Developing Cellular Technology Standards
Learn about the process by which open standards are developed, tested, and published for use by anyone needing to implement the relevant technologies.
What is a Standard Essential Patent?
Standard essential patents (SEPs) have a major impact on modern society and daily life. This document explains how.
IP Europe publishes materials for a range of audiences, including policymakers, companies, researchers, and the media. In this section, you will find our own policy positions, together with resources – publications, videos, and infographics – from experts and other industry groups.
You can also find the latest news about open standards development in this section.
A review of SDO IPR Policies: Do they require component level licensing?
Horizontal Guidelines consultation: IP Europe submission
CWA: principles and guidelines for licensing SEPs in 5G and IOT
Video: open standardisation means every company can seize the 5G opportunity
The fifth generation of cellular standards is changing the world. With multiple devices being connected for the first time, many companies are able to offer new innovative new products and services. Massive new opportunities are opening up to European businesses of all sizes thanks to 5G. IP Europe’s vision to make Europe the world’s leading digital ecosystem.