Xiaomi released its inaugural intellectual property (IP) white paper that showcases the company’s IP achievements and technological innovation capabilities.
Currently, Xiaomi has entered 12 fields of research development and 98 sub-segments. Among these include:
- 5G mobile communication technology
- big data
- cloud computing
- artificial intelligence
Technological innovation is the driving force behind the company’s high degree of globalization. It has accumulated substantial achievements in IP across these areas. As of September 30, 2021, it ranked 13th worldwide in 5G self-declared patent families. Meanwhile, as of September 30, 2022, it obtained more than 29,000 patents globally in more than 60 countries and regions.
Wan Xiang, Partner and President of Xiaomi Corporation, introduced its IP value proposition for the first time. He stated Xiaomi is dedicated to providing users with best-in-class technological innovation, respecting IP rights, and offering a diversified solution to settle IP disputes.
It is seeking to achieve a win-win, long-term, and sustainable IP partnership and ultimately promote technology inclusion.
The white paper shows the diverse and complex IP environment facing Chinese enterprises with global ambitions. By actively responding to lawsuits, Xiaomi has managed to expand its global footprint. It has been applying IP extensively to drive business and technological development over the years.
Xiaomi IP Drives Business Innovation
After 12 years of development and driven by its Smartphone x AioT core strategy, the company expanded its footprint in more than 100 markets around the world. The company’s businesses expand across smartphones, smart TVs, smart large home appliances, wearables, and internet services.
Its research and development efforts were demonstrated in areas including smartphone OS, imaging, charging, smart TV OS, AI, and more.
With MIUI as an example, strong patent protection supports continuous innovation of the MIUI system. As of September 30, 2022, Xiaomi has more than 7,700 patents worldwide in terms of the MIUI operating system and software functions. The company also has more than 700 patents in smartphone charging technology.
After years of development, it held more than 1,200 AI-related patents globally. Its AI call noise reduction technology has been applied in more than 60 products.
Xiaomi is committed to “Technology for Good”. It has gradually developed accessibility features in MIUI. Among these include haptic technology, ambient sound recognition, and text-to-speech technology. These are designed for users with visual, hearing, and speech impairments, respectively, allowing more underprivileged users to enjoy the convenience of technology.
IP Empowers Xiaomi Global Ambitions
In 2013, its IP system was in its infancy focusing on protecting its self-developed technology and patenting its hardware and MIUI operating system. As the company’s smartphone business experienced rapid development, it caught patentees’ awareness around the world.
From 2014 to 2019, Xiaomi accelerated its development in overseas markets. It took to Indian and Southeast Asian markets as a starting point and stepped into European and Latin American markets gradually.
The company’s IP rights grew rapidly during the period with more than 2,000 global patent applications. From 2015 and onwards, the average annual global patent applications were approximately 6,000.
It faced complex IP disputes during the period. Only five months after the company entered the Indian smartphone market in July 2014, it encountered a patent lawsuit with Ericsson. After a five-year legal contest, Xiaomi and Ericsson finally settled the dispute amicably in September 2019.
Regarding non-practicing entity allegations, BlueSpike, a non-practicing entity accused Xiaomi of infringing its patent rights on multiple smartphone models in 2013. The lawsuit ended with the former withdrawing the lawsuit, reflecting how the latter’s IP rights protect its business development efforts.
Xiaomi has also secured legal judgments against Sisvel, IPCom, and others which contributed to the establishment of the FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) principle in the global IP field.
Through means like acquisition, cross-licensing, and patent transfer, Xiaomi has accumulated patent achievements. In 2016, it expanded its global partnership with Microsoft. As of September Xiaomi has obtained more than 29,000 patents worldwide, covering more than 60 countries and regions.
For more information on Xiaomi, click here.
Ram found his love and appreciation for writing in 2015 having started in the gaming and esports sphere for GG Network. He would then transition to focus more on the world of tech which has also began his journey into learning more about this world. That said though, he still has the mentality of "as long as it works" for his personal gadgets.
