Audi has signed a global patent licensing agreement with Chinese smartphone maker Oppo, allowing the German automaker to use Oppo’s essential 5G technologies in its vehicles, Oppo Chief Product Officer Pete Lau said.
The deal grants Audi access to Oppo’s standard-essential patents related to fifth-generation mobile communications, a common arrangement in industries that rely on shared wireless standards. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“Bringing together wireless innovation and automotive excellence, enhancing connectivity for a smarter driving experience,” Lau said in a post on social media announcing the agreement.
Such licensing agreements do not involve joint product development or strategic partnerships. Instead, they allow companies to legally use patented technologies in exchange for licensing fees, ensuring compliance with global 5G standards.
Oppo holds a significant portfolio of 5G-related patents, while automakers such as Audi increasingly rely on advanced connectivity for infotainment, navigation and vehicle-to-cloud services.