TCL Enters HEVC Advance Patent Pool with PurpleVine's Support and Expertise

TCL Joins HEVC Advance Patent Pool with PurpleVine's Key Support

On November 26, 2024, TCL Electronics Holdings Limited, a leading global electronics company, announced that it has officially joined the HEVC Advance Patent Pool as a licensee. This landmark achievement comes as a result of the diligent efforts from PurpleVine IP Group, which played a critical role in facilitating TCL's entry. The PurpleVine team provided comprehensive services that included strategic planning, global process management, and expert support during license negotiations.

In recent years, TCL has faced numerous legal challenges from several HEVC Advance licensors such as Dolby, GEVC, and Philips. These challenges resulted in multiple infringement lawsuits and injunction requests across various jurisdictions, including Germany, the Unified Patent Court in Europe, and Brazil. PurpleVine's expertise proved invaluable as they crafted tailored defense strategies for each jurisdiction, enabling TCL to address the complex legal landscape effectively.

Working closely with local attorneys, PurpleVine's team developed FRAND-compliant arguments, non-infringement defenses, and invalidity strategies. This diligent approach not only mitigated the risks of injunctions against TCL but also yielded an outstanding success rate of over 90% in invalidating asserted patents in first-instance rulings.

Additionally, PurpleVine initiated counterclaims against Access Advance and HEVC Advance licensors in multiple countries, reinforcing TCL's position in these disputes. The firm's support extended to filing groundbreaking cases in Chinese courts, with one case contesting SEP licensing fees and another alleging abuse of market dominance. These cases are notable for being the first globally to establish court jurisdiction over SEP pool licensing fees and claims of monopolistic practices, setting a significant legal precedent.

Daniel Fu, TCL's Head of Legal, expressed his satisfaction with the new agreement, stating, "We are excited to have secured a license with the HEVC patent pool through the expert assistance of PurpleVine IP. This transaction is beneficial for the licensing system and the advancement of cutting-edge technologies that serve consumer interests."

The multijurisdictional nature of this case, coupled with its intricate legal challenges spanning several years, underscores PurpleVine's ability to navigate high-stakes intellectual property disputes. Their strategic leadership, effective litigation management, and proficient negotiations have cemented the company's position as a leader in providing cross-border intellectual property services.

PurpleVine IP Group, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, has established itself as a leading provider of intellectual property services on a global scale. Their offerings include a one-stop solution for trademark and patent applications, analyses, global transactions, license negotiations, and dispute resolutions. With team members boasting experience from prestigious international law firms and corporate legal departments, PurpleVine is well-equipped to handle patent disputes and invalidity proceedings across more than 50 jurisdictions worldwide. Furthermore, their team includes Standard Essential Patent (SEP) experts from the telecommunications industry, involved in negotiations and litigation regarding patent licenses.

In conclusion, TCL's successful entry into the HEVC Advance Patent Pool signifies a major milestone not only for the company but also for the broader technological landscape, fostering innovation and consumer benefits. PurpleVine's role in this process highlights the importance of expert support in navigating the complexities of intellectual property law.