The Impact of Intellectual Property Rights on the Standardization of Third-Generation Mobile Systems

Title: The Impact of Intellectual Property Rights on the Standardization of Third-Generation Mobile Systems

Research Question: How have intellectual property rights (IPRs) affected the standardization process of third-generation mobile systems, specifically in the dispute between ETSI and Qualcomm Inc.?

Methodology: The study uses a case study approach to analyze the dispute between ETSI and Qualcomm Inc. The researchers examined various sources, including academic literature, news articles, and legal documents, to understand the underlying issues and implications of the conflict.

Results: The researchers found that the dispute arose due to a disagreement over the use of Qualcomm's intellectual property for the standardization of third-generation mobile systems. Qualcomm demanded that ETSI make the radio access technology backward compatible with the IS-95 standard, Qualcomm's favored version of CDMA. This demand halted the development of air interface standards for third-generation mobile systems and caused tension between ETSI and Qualcomm.

Implications: The case study highlights the potential conflicts that can arise between the standards process and intellectual property rights in the age of global communication. It suggests that clear guidelines and regulations are needed to manage these conflicts and ensure the smooth development of international standards. The study also underscores the importance of intellectual property rights in the standardization process and their role in shaping the future of global communications.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0109105v3 Authors: arXiv ID: 0109105v3