Suppliers Out in Patent License Talks After Appeals Ruling (1)

Auto parts suppliers could be sidelined in negotiations over licensing for key telecommunications technology in vehicles following Continental Automotive Systems Inc.’s recent appeals court loss.

Nokia Corp., Sharp Corp. and other companies owning telecom inventions essential to industry standards want to license their patents directly to automakers such as BMW AG and Volkswagen AG. Parts suppliers, like Continental, want their own licenses.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled Continental didn’t have standing to sue for antitrust violations after it was refused a license. The court said Continental couldn’t show it suffered a non-speculative injury. ...