We often hear about the incredible advancements that shape the future—6G networks, quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and more. But behind these cutting-edge innovations lies a key question that many may overlook: Who owns the future of these technologies?
The answer lies in Standard Essential Patents (SEPs). These patents are the cornerstones of emerging standards that enable groundbreaking technologies to function seamlessly together. But as industries race toward 6G, quantum computing, and other next-generation technologies, the question of who controls SEPs in these fields is becoming more critical than ever.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the future of SEPs and explore how patent ownership will shape the development and deployment of these transformative technologies. As we map out the key players, trends, and challenges, we’ll gain insights into who will hold the power in the next generation of technology.
What Are SEPs, and Why Do They Matter?
Standard Essential Patents are patents that are essential for the implementation of a specific industry standard. These standards ensure interoperability—making sure that products from different manufacturers can communicate and work together. Think of how your smartphone can connect to any Wi-Fi router, or how 5G devices can seamlessly connect across networks. Those technologies are underpinned by SEPs.
For instance, if a company holds a SEP for a certain wireless communication protocol, any device that uses that protocol must license the SEP from the patent holder. SEPs are crucial in industries like telecommunications, where standards like 5G or future 6G systems require multiple technologies working together to ensure global compatibility.
But the real question is: Who owns the patents that will shape these next-generation technologies?
Mapping the Future: SEPs in 6G, Quantum Computing, and Other Emerging Fields
1. 6G Networks: The Race to the Next Generation of Connectivity
With 5G still in its rollout phase, the 6G race is already underway. 6G promises to bring about ultra-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and unprecedented connectivity across a range of devices—from smartphones and wearables to autonomous vehicles and smart cities. But who is going to control the SEPs for 6G?
The race for 6G patents has already begun. Key players include telecommunications giants like Qualcomm, Huawei, and Ericsson, all of which hold significant SEP portfolios in the 5G space and are positioning themselves to dominate the 6G market as well. However, new entrants and startups in AI, semiconductors, and networking hardware are also aggressively patenting technologies that could be essential for 6G.
What’s at stake?
- The companies that control 6G SEPs will have significant leverage in the future telecommunications market. They will set licensing terms, determine royalty rates, and shape the standards for how devices across the globe will connect in the coming decades.
- Expect intense patent battles, especially as the global rollout of 6G inches closer, with countries and corporations vying for control over key technologies.
2. Quantum Computing: The Next Frontier in Computing Power
Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize industries by solving problems that traditional computers cannot, from complex simulations in pharmaceutical research to advancing AI and cryptography. But like 6G, the road to quantum computing requires standardization—and that’s where SEPs come in.
Major players like IBM, Google, Intel, and Microsoft are already at the forefront of quantum research and development, with each working on quantum hardware, software, and algorithms that will need to be standardized. As the quantum computing revolution progresses, patent wars are likely to break out over the foundational technologies that will drive the future of computing.
What’s at stake?
- Companies and institutions that own quantum computing patents will have the ability to control the direction of the field. Those that hold SEPs will define the standards for quantum processors, algorithms, and communication protocols.
- For the broader tech community, access to these patents will shape the cost and availability of quantum technologies, potentially delaying breakthroughs or limiting access to cutting-edge innovations.
3. AI and Machine Learning: The Intellectual Property Challenge
AI and machine learning (ML) are already reshaping industries such as healthcare, finance, and automotive, and their influence will only grow in the coming decades. But as with 6G and quantum computing, AI technologies are driven by SEPs. AI standards for data processing, decision-making algorithms, and autonomous systems will require broad cooperation, with various stakeholders holding the key patents.
In AI, the race for SEP dominance involves both tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, as well as smaller innovators and research institutions. These players are vying for control over everything from machine learning algorithms to AI hardware and data transmission protocols.
What’s at stake?
- The companies that hold AI-related SEPs will have a significant impact on how AI technologies are adopted, with implications for everything from ethical AI standards to the costs of deploying AI systems.
- Like in 6G, AI patent holders will be in a position to determine licensing terms, possibly controlling how businesses and governments implement AI solutions across industries.
4. The Role of Government and Regulation
As these industries evolve, government regulation will play a crucial role in shaping the SEP landscape. Governments around the world are already taking a keen interest in how patents for emerging technologies are being distributed. In the case of 6G and quantum computing, the international community may work together to ensure that patent monopolies don’t hinder innovation and global competition.
Countries like China, South Korea, the United States, and European Union nations are pushing for strong intellectual property protections while also advocating for more open standards that prevent monopolistic practices by any one company. Patent pooling and cross-licensing agreements will be key strategies to prevent any single entity from gaining too much control over essential patents.
The Road Ahead: Who Will Own the Future of SEPs?
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the race for SEPs in 6G, quantum computing, and AI is just beginning. The companies and institutions that control these patents will have a massive influence over how technology develops and who gets to use it.
So, who will own the future of SEPs?
The answer is likely to be a mix of established tech giants, innovative startups, and collaborative research initiatives. The future of these technologies will depend on strategic investments in research, patent filing, and collaborative agreements that ensure broad access to essential innovations.
As 6G and quantum computing technologies take shape, expect new players to emerge, and for international cooperation to become more crucial in maintaining a fair, competitive landscape. Those who secure and defend the rights to key SEPs will dictate how the next generation of technology unfolds—making them the true architects of tomorrow’s digital world.
One thing’s for sure: the race for SEPs will be one of the most important battles of the coming decades—and it’s a race that’s only just getting started.