Huawei, Qualcomm Sign Multi-Year Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement
Huawei and Qualcomm have entered into a broad, multi-year patent licensing agreement that includes cross-licensing of their respective patent portfolios. The deal covers foundational technologies across 5G, artificial intelligence, computing, and networking. As part of the transaction, Qualcomm will also acquire specific US-registered patents held by Huawei. The companies stated the agreement reflects their commitment to intellectual property rights based on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory principles.
Strategic Patent Collaboration
The partnership marks Huawei's first patent licensing deal with Qualcomm that specifically includes 5G technologies. While the companies did not disclose the financial terms or specific patents involved, the deal is expected to push the total value of Huawei's patent licensing agreements to over $6.9 billion upon completion. Huawei has been actively monetizing its intellectual property portfolio, which includes over 165,000 active granted patents worldwide as of 2025, to offset the impact of US trade restrictions that have limited its access to advanced chips and software.
The Qualcomm deal adds to Huawei's network of over 260 patent licensing agreements with global leaders including Nokia, Samsung, and Amazon, and domestic vendors Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi.
Industry Recognition and R&D
Alan Fan, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Huawei, noted that the agreement validates the company's long-term investment in fundamental research and development, particularly in 4G and 5G standards such as polar-code-based signal transmission. John Han, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Qualcomm Technology Licensing, stated that the partnership recognizes Huawei's continued innovation while reaffirming industry recognition of Qualcomm's own leadership in 5G and wireless technology.
The transaction remains subject to necessary regulatory approvals. This agreement follows a similar multi-year global patent cross-licensing deal Huawei reached with HP in August, as the company continues to expand its licensing footprint with major global technology firms.