A Perspective on the Challenges Faced by Patent Holders in the Software Engineering Practices (SEP) Licensing Ecosystem

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18256/2238-0604.2026.v22i.5354

Keywords:

Essential Standards Patents; FRAND; licensing of ESPs; competition law; innovation incentives.

Abstract

This article examines the licensing ecosystem of Essential Standards Patents (ESPs) from the perspective of technology developers and patent holders. It addresses the fundamental challenges faced by companies investing in research and development to create the technologies underlying modern standards such as Wi-Fi, 5G, USB, and LTE. The article argues that the licensing of ESPs is fundamentally a private and contractual matter, best resolved through bilateral negotiation, and that competition law intervention should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. Based on case law from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, China and Brazil, the article demonstrates that hold-outs by implementers represent an equal or greater threat to innovation compared to hold-ups by patent holders. It concludes with recommendations for maintaining a balanced framework that protects incentives for innovation while ensuring access to standardized technologies.

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Author Biographies

  • Bruno De Luca Drago, Advogado e sócio da Demarest Advogados.

    Doutor em Direito Comercial, com ênfase em Direito da Concorrência, pela Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brasil, mestre em Direito da Concorrência pelo King’s College of London, University of London, Londres, Inglaterra. Advogado e sócio da Demarest Advogados.

  • Mariana Llamazalez Ou, Advogada na Demarest Advogados.

    Cursando mestrado em Direito na London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Londres, Inglaterra. Advogada na Demarest Advogados.

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Published

2026-07-06

Issue

Vol. 22 (2026): Special Edition

Section

SEP - FRAND

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Bruno De Luca Drago, Mariana Llamazalez Ou

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How to Cite

DRAGO, Bruno De Luca; OU, Mariana Llamazalez. A Perspective on the Challenges Faced by Patent Holders in the Software Engineering Practices (SEP) Licensing Ecosystem. Revista Brasileira de Direito, Passo Fundo, RS, Brasil, v. 22, 2026. DOI: 10.18256/2238-0604.2026.v22i.5354. Disponível em: https://seer.atitus.edu.br/index.php/revistadedireito/article/view/5354. Acesso em: 21 aug. 2026.