Shulou(Shulou.com)11/24 Report--

CTOnews.com, April 25 (Reuters)-the European Commission has adjusted the draft patent rules to make it easier for patent holders to sue companies over royalty disputes, after criticism that the early draft favoured users while restricting patent owners from seeking injunctions.

EU staff, who will release the draft rules on Wednesday, hope the move will end costly legal disputes over patents necessary for key technologies for telecommunications equipment, mobile phones, computers, connected cars and smart devices, the report said.

Over the past decade, mobile technology has been a hotbed of patent litigation involving well-known brands such as Apple, Microsoft, HTC, Motorola, Samsung Electronics and Nokia. EU officials said concerns about patent wars involving the automotive industry and the Internet of things, as well as China's growing share of key patents, were the main reasons for the committee's proposed rules.

It is reported that the latest draft allows patent holders to ask the court to issue an injunction against infringing companies, even if the two sides have negotiated fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) royalties under the auspices of the European intellectual property Office (EUIPO).

Patent owners say the ban helps protect their rights, while opponents say such a ban would raise patent fees and stifle competition. The draft rules need to be agreed with EU countries and the European Parliament before they can become law.

According to CTOnews.com, a number of domestic mobile phone companies have been subject to patent lawsuits in Europe, resulting in a ban on the sale of some products. Banned sales of products are expected to be more common if the new rules are implemented.

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