Oppo, OnePlus to Re-enter Europe Following Patent Agreement with Nokia

In a significant turnaround, Chinese smartphone giants Oppo and OnePlus could be preparing to re-enter the European market after announcing the resolution of a longstanding patent dispute with Nokia. This development follows a tumultuous period in 2022 when both companies were compelled to halt sales in Germany, subsequently leading to a quiet withdrawal from several other European markets.

Throughout 2023, rumours and emerging evidence suggested a total exit of Oppo and OnePlus from Europe, particularly after activities in France indicated a market departure. However, with Oppo and Nokia establishing a global licensing agreement, addressing the patent concerns raised in European courts which had initially caused the sales suspension in countries like Germany, a new chapter seems about to unfold.

While official statements regarding the full-scale return of Oppo and OnePlus to the affected European markets are still pending, this agreement certainly lays the groundwork for their comeback. In a move to reconcile past issues, Oppo has agreed to make catch-up payments to Nokia, covering periods of non-payment during the dispute.

Nokia has confirmed that all pending patent litigation involving Oppo and OnePlus has been settled in all jurisdictions, marking an end to the legal impasse.

Oppo spokesperson Feng Ying expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, "This global patent cross-license agreement with Nokia, which includes cross-licensing for 5G standard-essential patents, reflects mutual recognition and respect for each other’s intellectual property and establishes a foundation for future collaboration."

This resolution arrives on the heels of OnePlus's global introduction of the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R smartphones. The patent dispute had previously constrained Oppo and OnePlus in Europe, inadvertently benefiting competitors like Xiaomi and its subsidiary Poco. However, industry analysts anticipate a robust comeback from these Chinese tech majors, given their historical stronghold in the European market.

Prior to US trade sanctions, brands like Huawei and its former sub-brand Honor dominated the European market. Honor, under new ownership, continues to perform well in the region. The re-entry of Oppo and OnePlus, armed with their latest technology and a new agreement with Nokia, is expected to reinvigorate competition in the European smartphone market and challenge the current market dynamics.