Sector »
Communications and networks
The communications and networks sector covers a broad remit of technologies and infrastructure, from mobile telephony to communication hardware, from software and apps to satellites, from protocol evolution to blockchain, from security to the Internet of Things.
Standards-essential patents (SEPs) are a major aspect of the IP work in this area, although fascinating innovation is possible through proprietary technology. SEPs make for a truly collaborative and unique approach to work but can be challenging to navigate without the requisite combination of technical and legal expertise.
While the continual drive forward in data-carrying cellular networks remains an industry focus with 6G on the horizon, both 5G and 4G based technologies are in no way obsolete. Innovation on those architectures is still widespread, as much of the Internet of Things runs on those networks. Other types of networking and hardware are also a great source of innovation, given the greater interchangeability between new and existing technology than elsewhere in the industry and the increased use of Software Defined Radio and Fibre-to-the-Premises.
The communications and networks team
Our communications and networks team brings together technical expertise with a deep commercial understanding of our clients’ businesses and the industry. Our clients range from an international mobile network operator to first time inventors. We are one of the largest and most established teams in the UK, advising clients on IP matters across the breadth of the communications space.
Our team are well-positioned to support clients across the whole remit of the communications industry. We draw on the diverse scientific backgrounds of our specialists to advise on complex technology from Wi-Fi to network software, and from satellites to communications hardware. We have also supported on patent issues relating to content production and protection, an increasingly common concern for carrier networks.
We take a keen interest in the commerciality of our clients’ IP. In particular, we regularly provide standards essentiality opinions, allowing clients to determine whether a patent might fall within the SEP regimes. With particular regard to the complications caused by SEPs in this space, we also advise on defences against infringement, especially from non-practising entities – an issue which can be widespread in the sector and for which we have an excellent track record.
“Work in this industry requires you to operate within some quite rigid parameters. Finding ways to innovate in that space is a fascinating challenge, and one I find endlessly exciting.”
Our client is a multinational mobile network operator, with an extensive portfolio of patents in the EU, the UK and worldwide.
We draft around 30 new patent specifications each year in the field of cellular networking for our client, including a number of SEPs. These cover a wide range of technologies, including new network architectures and systems, improvements to existing infrastructure, proprietary development and software applications.
We have a longstanding relationship with the client and have supported its portfolio across filings and protections for over a decade.
The communications and networks sector covers a broad remit of technologies and infrastructure, from mobile telephony to communication hardware, from software and apps to satellites, from protocol evolution to blockchain, from security to the Internet of Things.
Standards-essential patents (SEPs) are a major aspect of the IP work in this area, although fascinating innovation is possible through proprietary technology. SEPs make for a truly collaborative and unique approach to work but can be challenging to navigate without the requisite combination of technical and legal expertise.
While the continual drive forward in data-carrying cellular networks remains an industry focus with 6G on the horizon, both 5G and 4G based technologies are in no way obsolete. Innovation on those architectures is still widespread, as much of the Internet of Things runs on those networks. Other types of networking and hardware are also a great source of innovation, given the greater interchangeability between new and existing technology than elsewhere in the industry and the increased use of Software Defined Radio and Fibre-to-the-Premises.
The communications and networks team
Our communications and networks team brings together technical expertise with a deep commercial understanding of our clients’ businesses and the industry. Our clients range from an international mobile network operator to first time inventors. We are one of the largest and most established teams in the UK, advising clients on IP matters across the breadth of the communications space.
Our team are well-positioned to support clients across the whole remit of the communications industry. We draw on the diverse scientific backgrounds of our specialists to advise on complex technology from Wi-Fi to network software, and from satellites to communications hardware. We have also supported on patent issues relating to content production and protection, an increasingly common concern for carrier networks.
We take a keen interest in the commerciality of our clients’ IP. In particular, we regularly provide standards essentiality opinions, allowing clients to determine whether a patent might fall within the SEP regimes. With particular regard to the complications caused by SEPs in this space, we also advise on defences against infringement, especially from non-practising entities – an issue which can be widespread in the sector and for which we have an excellent track record.
What sets us apart
The core of our team has experience not just as technical IP legal experts, but as scientists and engineers within the telecoms industry. This dual background ensures that the commercial needs of our clients are always at the forefront of our advice – as our team have experienced the commercial implications of developing IP in this space first hand.
That experience is also invaluable in ensuring a deep understanding of all areas of our clients’ businesses, as members of our team have previously worked on the client side, as well as being seconded to work within our clients’ teams. We have a real appreciation for the work of inventors especially; indeed, clients regularly rely on us to work closely with their inventors throughout the development process, speaking their language and bridging the gap between the technical and commercial considerations of potential IP products.
