5G – Fifth Generation Mobile Communication

The next generation of mobile communication technologies, 5G, is set to bring many new services and applications. Apart from more bandwidth, 5G functions will facilitate the Internet-of-Things (IoT) as well as secure and fast communication with machines (MTC). Virtual networks (slices) with different QoS requirements will operate on equal footing.

Inventions in this technical environment often have multiple aspects worth protecting. For example, a V2X solution can apply to a vehicle, a 5G base station as well as a cloud server. Claiming only the system as a whole would seriously diminish the value of a related patent. A further difficulty arises when protection is needed for an invention essential to a standard. Additional requirements then need to be considered when preparing a patent application and during the granting phase. A standard-essential patent is easier to enforce, also for 5G, although while of course ensuring concurrent observation of the FRAND rules.