TECH – In the global race to shape the future of mobile networks, Huawei and Qualcomm are locked in a high-stakes competition over ownership of essential 5G patents, a battle that could influence the rollout of 6G technologies just over the horizon, according to reporting by Light Reading. In the latest LexisNexis patent analysis a benchmark that assesses companies on patent counts, technical contributions and influence on standards Huawei emerges with the most active and granted 5G declared patent families as well as a leading number of technical contributions to international standards groups such as the 3GPP, which helps set the rules for global mobile connectivity.
Yet, the story doesn’t end with sheer quantity. When patents are weighed by commercial “value” and market impact a metric devised to reflect how crucial specific technologies are in real-world gadgets and networks, Qualcomm nudges ahead, claiming the top spot in the Patent Asset Index. This index places greater emphasis on technology relevance and market footprint rather than just volume, and it highlights Qualcomm’s longstanding role in foundational technologies inherited from 4G and now embedded deeply into 5G’s core, such as key waveform and modulation systems.
For years, Huawei’s rise to the top of 5G patent charts was seen as a symbol of China’s technological ascent. Its expansive portfolio underscores deep research investments and significant contributions to standard-setting deliberations, but not all patents are equal some address niche elements while others touch the backbone of global connectivity.
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Qualcomm’s strong showing in the value ranking reflects its ability to capture patents that are widely used and commercially essential across millions of devices.
Industry analysts note that billions of dollars in licensing revenues hinge on these patent standings, with the 5G SEP (standard-essential patent) market alone valued at about $15 billion annually and poised to grow as 6G standards begin to take shape. Tim Pohlmann, director of SEP analytics at LexisNexis, summed it up succinctly: “As 5G licensing moves deeper into industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets, the financial stakes tied to patent data accuracy continue to rise,” highlighting how both the economics and geopolitics of telecom are playing out in patent portfolios.
This patent duel has broader implications beyond ledger sheets and legal filings. With 6G development already underway, companies that hold strategic intellectual property may dictate which technologies become ubiquitous in the next wave of wireless innovation — from ultra-fast mobile broadband to artificial-intelligence-enhanced connectivity. The bottom line is that while Huawei currently boasts the most declared patents, Qualcomm’s edge in value could translate into greater leverage as the industry pivots toward 6G, keeping both firms at the forefront of the mobile technology narrative.
