Samsung IP Head on 6G SEP Strategy
"With 6G, we're seeing an unprecedented convergence of telecom, AI, and edge computing. This is shifting the balance in SEP valuation and how companies approach both licensing and cross-licensing negotiations." — *Head of IP Strategy, Samsung, on ‘Patents & Platforms’ Podcast*
- Samsung leads in 6G-related patent filings, particularly in innovations for terahertz (THz) communications, which is a key candidate technology for 6G that could enable terabit-per-second data rates. The company's patenting activity in this area saw a dramatic increase in 2021 and 2022. - Standardization for 6G is in its early stages, with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) being the primary bodies defining the standards. The first 6G-related specifications are anticipated to be finalized by 2028 in 3GPP's Release 21, with commercial deployments expected around 2030. - In a move that may be a precursor for 6G licensing, Samsung and Qualcomm have extended their patent license agreement through the end of 2030, a deal that explicitly includes upcoming 6G mobile technology. - Samsung is actively collaborating with industry giants like Ericsson, Nokia, Qualcomm, and Verizon to shape the future of 6G technology and its commercialization. The company is also a founding member of the Next G Alliance, which aims to promote globally harmonized 6G research and standards. - A key aspect of Samsung's 6G vision is the native integration of AI throughout the entire telecommunication system. This "AI-native" approach is expected to optimize network performance, automate operations, and enhance energy efficiency. - Samsung is exploring the use of higher frequency bands for 6G, including the 7.125-7.7 GHz and 12.7-13.25 GHz ranges, to achieve higher data rates and expanded coverage. The company is also researching advanced antenna technologies like eXtreme Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (X-MIMO) to improve signal quality in these higher bands. - The convergence of 6G and edge intelligence with generative AI is a significant research area, promising to reduce latency for mobile intelligent services and tailor personalized solutions for complex network resource management. - Samsung's strategic approach to patents involves embedding its innovations into industry standards, making them Standard-Essential Patents (SEPs). This strategy is crucial for influencing the direction of technology development and ensuring broad adoption of their innovations.
