Avanci Is Turning Automakers’ Patent Licensing on Its Head

Less than six years old, Avanci LLC has built a platform that includes most of the patents on technology that’s key to an industry standard for 4G telecommunications. And by focusing on deals with automakers rather than parts suppliers, it’s forcing the industry to rethink how patents are licensed.

Ford Motor Co. recently became the latest manufacturer to take a license from Avanci, which facilitates licensing of patent rights needed to comply with 4G standards—as well as 2G and 3G. Patent owners in Avanci’s marketplace include Qualcomm Inc., Nokia Oyj, and Sharp Corp.

Avanci now has ...