Patent licensing
Build on our patents to make innovative products
For more than 30 years, we have been pushing the boundaries of what's possible in communication. Nokia has defined many of the fundamental technologies used in virtually all mobile devices and taken a leadership role in open standardization. Today, our inventions power entire industries such as smartphones, consumer electronics, video and multimedia services, automotive and the wider Internet of Things (IoT) domain.
Since 2000 Nokia has invested over €150bn in research and development (R&D), and our annual investment is more than €4bn. As a result, we have built one of the broadest and strongest patent portfolios in the telecommunications industry with around 20,000 patent families (each family can comprise several individual patents).
We own a leading share of Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) in every generation of cellular standards with over 7,000 patent families declared as essential to 5G. Our patented inventions also cover significant multimedia technologies, particularly in the field of video compression.
As one of the first companies in the world, Nokia has achieved the highly respected ISO 9001 certification for our high-quality patent portfolio management.
Nokia’s inventions are implemented into a billion new devices every year
"The best way to predict the future is to create it"
A year of innovation
invested in R&D since 2000
patent families, of which
more than 7,000 declared
essential for 5G
inventions on which
patents were filed in 2024
Patent licensing works
Patent licensing enables companies to share innovation and collaborate to drive future opportunities together
The licensing of global cellular standards and other technologies has enabled tremendous innovation, consumer choice and industry growth. Standardized technologies allow products manufactured by different companies to communicate seamlessly with each other. Open standardization also enables new market entrants to develop standardized, interoperable products without having to make their own substantial investments in R&D.
In return licensees pay royalty fees for the use of our technology, which we re-invest, along with additional investment, in developing the next generation of inventions.
Our team can help you to enter into a licensing agreement for the patented technology you need.
We have dedicated licensing programs for mobile devices, multimedia (including sub-programs for consumer electronics and video services), and IoT (including sub-programs for automotive and IoT devices and solutions). We currently have over 250 licensees, licensed through our patent licensing programs.
Mobile devices
If it connects to a mobile network, it uses our patented inventions. We work with mobile device manufacturers to license our SEPs for 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G standards. Our cellular…
Consumer electronics and video services
Modern video delivery would not be possible without our inventions. We license a world-class portfolio of SEPs and non-SEPs that are used in consumer electronics such as smart…
Automotive
Connected vehicles rely on cellular connectivity for a range of services and features including updating maps and software, and for in-vehicle infotainment. The next…
IoT devices and solutions
The world is becoming more connected. Cellular connectivity adds great value to a wide range of new devices and applications that enhance safety, security and efficiency. We…
Gaming
Many of our innovations are essential in the modern gaming experience, including fundamental technologies for video compression needed in game development, content delivery…
Leading the move to 5G-Advanced and 6G
With our cutting-edge work in standardization and our leading 5G patent portfolio, we are driving the delivery of the next generation of cellular connectivity, including 5G Advanced and 6G.
5G standard
With over 7,000 5G patent families, Nokia leads the market with fundamental inventions in 5G connectivity and services.
5G-Advanced standards
3GPP Standardization: Enhancing 5G capabilities and paving the path to 6G.
Long-term wireless research
Discover how Nokia Bell Labs' pioneering 6G research is shaping the future of wireless technology, from holographic communication to AI-driven automation.
FRAND licensing works
We are committed to licensing our standard-compliant technology under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms.
Explore our innovations
Innovation is and has always been a part of our DNA. Browse our interactive innovations gallery to see how we have shaped the communications industry.
Find out more
If you have any queries about licensing our patents in your products, or if your industry is not represented above, please contact us.