The Commission Decisions on Samsung and Motorola: The Antitrust Effects of Licensing 'SEPs'

Abstract

The fact that people are increasingly locked into their smartphones, tablets and other technological tools which put work, games and music at their fingertips has an impact not only on everyday life but also on competition issues. Indeed, in recent years, several courts and competition authorities have observed that patent holders may acquire a dominant position as their IP rights happen to be essential to implement a specific industry standard.

Keywords: European competition law, abuse of dominant position, standard essential patents, FRAND terms, injunctions, Motorola, Samsung