71st CHIZAI (IP) Seminar
NEDO Silicon Valley successfully hosted an in‑depth global IP webinar titled “NEDO Silicon Valley successfully hosted its 71st CHIZAI Seminar, titled “Shaping the Future of IP: Recent UK Court Rulings and Practical Insights on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) – Implications for U.S. and Japanese Companies.”
Speakers:
Mark Marfé, Partner, Pinsent Masons
James Marshall, Partner, Pinsent Masons
Karen Fraser, Executive Director, Patents, Murgitroyd
Catherine Bonner, Executive Director, Patents, Murgitroyd
NEDO Silicon Valley Office hosted a seminar entitled “Recent UK Court Rulings and Practical Impacts on SEP and FRAND Licensing Strategies”, the second installment in our series exploring the rapidly evolving global landscape of standard-essential patents (SEPs) and FRAND licensing.
This seminar was the second installment in our series exploring the rapidly evolving global landscape of SEPs and FRAND licensing. Building on the success of our May seminar, which focused on SEP developments in Japan and the United States, this session turned its attention to the UK, one of the most influential jurisdictions shaping the future of SEP enforcement and licensing worldwide.
The seminar featured four distinguished experts: Mark Marfé and James Marshall of Pinsent Masons, together with Karen Fraser and Catherine Bonner of Murgitroyd.
Drawing on their extensive experience in SEP litigation, licensing, and patent prosecution, the speakers provided valuable perspectives on recent UK court decisions and their implications for global businesses.
The discussion began with an overview of the SEP litigation landscape in Europe and the UK, presented by Karen Fraser, with particular emphasis on global FRAND rate-setting strategies.
James Marshall and Mark Marfé then provided an in-depth analysis of recent UK developments affecting SEP enforcement and FRAND licensing. Topics included the jurisdictionally neutral approach proposed by Lord Justice Arnold of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, arbitration-related developments such as the Nokia litigation, the establishment of the Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre (PMAC) and its FRAND Guidelines Working Group, as well as the evolution of interim license declarations and their increasing relevance in SEP disputes.
The discussion was further enriched by presentations from Catherine Bonner examining the implications of these developments from both patent prosecution and litigation perspectives, including strategic considerations related to the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
Lastly, James Marshall and Mark Marfé discussed the UPC's growing role in global FRAND rate-setting and SEP dispute resolution, with the rising importance of mediation and arbitration, as efficient mechanisms for resolving complex FRAND disputes. Recent UK developments, including the pending Optis v. Apple Supreme Court decision and the Samsung v. ZTE litigation, were discussed for their potential impact on FRAND rate determination, licensing negotiations, and injunction strategies.
Strong participation from attendees across North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions underscored the global significance of SEP and FRAND developments for companies operating in today's technology-driven and interconnected markets.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all speakers for their comprehensive and insightful presentations and discussions, as well as to all participants for their active engagement and contribution to the seminar's success.
We are looking forward to meeting with you all soon!
