Non-Discrimination and FRAND Commitments

The Cambridge Handbook of Technical Standardization Law, Volume 1: Competition, Antitrust and Patents (Jorge Contreras, ed., Cambridge University Press, 2018)

University of Utah College of Law Research Paper No. 251

23 Pages Posted: 16 Mar 2018 Last revised: 27 Aug 2020

See all articles by Jorge L. Contreras

Jorge L. Contreras

University of Utah - S.J. Quinney College of Law

Anne Layne-Farrar

Charles River Associates; Northwestern University

Date Written: November 12, 2017

Abstract

A pledge to license standard essential patents (SEPs) on a non- discriminatory basis is a common element of SDO IPR Policies, part of the larger commitment to license on Fair, Reasonable, and Non- Discriminatory (FRAND) terms. In this chapter we consider what non- discrimination pledges imply for SDO member conduct. We review the basic variants of such pledges, how they may be informed by broader legal and economic defi nitions of discrimination, and recent cases and agency guidance interpreting such commitments. We conclude with open questions regarding the legal implications of non- discriminatory licensing pledges.

Keywords: FRAND, SEP, discrimination, standards

JEL Classification: D21, D23, D45, D82, D86, K11, K12, K21, L24, L43, O32, O34

Suggested Citation

Contreras, Jorge L. and Layne-Farrar, Anne, Non-Discrimination and FRAND Commitments (November 12, 2017). The Cambridge Handbook of Technical Standardization Law, Volume 1: Competition, Antitrust and Patents (Jorge Contreras, ed., Cambridge University Press, 2018), University of Utah College of Law Research Paper No. 251, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3138578

Jorge L. Contreras

University of Utah - S.J. Quinney College of Law ( email )

383 S. University Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0730
United States

Anne Layne-Farrar (Contact Author)

Charles River Associates ( email )

1 South Wacker Drive
Suite 3400
Chicago, IL 60606
United States
312-377-9238 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.crai.com

Northwestern University ( email )

2001 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
United States

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