Avanci launched a new patent pool for 3G and 4G-powered smart meters today, October 31, the latest in a string of new licensing programmes operated by the Texas-based firm.
The pool has 40 licensors, including Samsung, Ericsson, Oppo, and ZTE. EDMI, an Singapore-based smart meter manufacturer, is the first licensee.
A licence will cost $2 for a 3G licence and $3 for both 3G and 4G.
The move follows Avanci’s decision to hire Marianne Frydenlund from Nordic Semiconductor. Frydenlund was appointed in September 2022 to lead Avanci’s internet of things (IoT) programme.
Frydenlund had already built a reputation as an innovative dealmaker while at Nordic Semiconductor. In January 2022, she struck a licensing agreement in which Nordic's customers were offered licences to Nokia's intellectual property.
Commenting on the smart meter pool, Frydenlund offered her “thanks to EDMI and all our partners for giving us their trust and confidence to deliver another efficient IoT licensing solution”.
Roy Kirsopp, CEO at EDMI, said the firm joined the pool to assure its customers that “EDMI takes its licensing obligations seriously”.
“An Avanci licence is extremely valuable as it gives us authorised, licensed access to a broad range of 4G technology patent owners in a simple and efficient manner,” he said.
Avanci made its name in the automotive sector but has branched out into other sectors throughout 2023.
The Texas-based pool operator launched Avanci Broadcast in March to license patents essential to the ATSC 3.0 standard, which enables 4K and ultra-high-definition broadcast.
Avanci Video, which covers patents essential to five video codec standards, followed earlier this month.
The company also continued its expansion in the auto sector with the launch of its long-awaited 5G patent pool for connected cars in August.
Avanci CEO Kasim Alfalahi spoke to Managing IP after the launch of the 5G pool about the company’s progress and new milestones, including a deal with Huawei.
