The purpose of the call for views is to better understand how the current SEPs framework encourages innovation and promotes competition.

The IPO says that the aim is to develop the best IP framework for the UK that will promote innovation and creativity both now and in the future, whilst ensuring that the Government’s ambitions set out in its Innovation Strategy and Diversification Strategy are supported.

The call for views is seeking evidence on:

• the link between SEPs, innovation and competition and how these areas interrelate with each other;
• the functioning of the market and whether there is an imbalance between the licensor and licensee;
• transparency in the SEP ecosystem; and
• the efficiency of SEP licensing, the functioning of the patent framework and FRAND litigation.

The call for views ran until 1 March 2022 and the Government will now assess the responses and publish a summary of them. The responses will inform the Government’s decision on any next steps and action that may be required. To access the call for views, click here.