Standard Essential Patents: Returning to the Basics on Unwired v Huawei.

This article focuses on the landmark UK Supreme Court case Unwired Planet v. Huawei and its global implications for standard essential patents (SEPs) and Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) licensing. It analyzes how the ruling clarified the jurisdiction of UK courts over global SEP licensing disputes, emphasized the necessity of good-faith and flexible FRAND negotiations, and reinforced the principle of non-discrimination among licensees. The decision balances patent holders' rights with competition law, setting a precedent that has influenced subsequent cases and legislation in jurisdictions including the EU, Germany, the United States, and China. Overall, the Unwired judgment contributes significantly to the evolving international legal framework governing SEPs, promoting transparency, fairness, and cooperation in licensing essential technologies.