The relevance of standardization in a future competitive India and the role of policy makers, antitrust authorities and courts to promote it

Abstract

This chapter will explore the motivations and strategies of certain stakeholders to devalue FRAND-assured essential patents. It will also address the challenges that the ICT industry is currently facing in the background of past scepticisms from antitrust agencies and courts. The chapter will recommend policy makers to avoid tilting the fragile balance between technology providers and technology implementers which is achieved through FRAND licensing. An imbalance of interests could, otherwise, potentially affect the innovation cycle, reduce investments in R&D, and favor proprietary solutions as opposed to interoperable, standardized options.