21.1% of the 5G patent landscape is now dedicated to 5G-Advanced, reflecting the critical R&D investment in this next-generation technology. Supported by over 222,191 technical proposals submitted to 3GPP, this shift is defining the future of mobile networks.

GreyB brings its expertise to the 5G SEP Ownership Report, offering clear strategic insights into how businesses can adapt to the evolving 5G-Advanced landscape.

How to Use 5G-Advanced Analysis to Your Advantage

1. Optimize Your R&D Focus

21.1% of all 5G patent families are now focused on 5G-Advanced, supported by 222,191 technical proposals to 3GPP. By directing R&D efforts toward technologies such as Performance & Efficiency, Service Expansion, and the Bridge to 6G, you can position your business at the forefront of this transformation.

2. Unlock Licensing Opportunities

Over 88,000 declared patent families are part of the 5G-Advanced landscape. Leverage standard-essential patents (SEPs) to ensure your portfolio is strategically aligned for future licensing discussions. This ensures you are well-positioned as key industry players shape the standards.

3. Stay Ahead of Patent Leadership Shifts

Samsung, Qualcomm, Nokia, Ericsson, and Xiaomi hold 45% of the 5G-Advanced patents. Tracking their patent activities and leadership in the Performance and Service Expansion areas will enable you to align your strategy with the leaders shaping the market.

4. Prepare for Future Litigation

With over 88,000 patents in the 5G-Advanced space, the absence of a formal patent pool increases the risk of licensing disputes. Understanding patent ownership and leveraging this data allows you to mitigate potential litigation risks and strengthen your position in the market.

5. Identify Collaboration & Acquisition Opportunities

By identifying key players such as universities and startups with strong 5G-Advanced portfolios, you can explore collaboration or acquisition opportunities. This helps accelerate your technology development while aligning with emerging innovations.

Report Highlights

The Great Re-Ranking: A New Competitive Order

The shift to 5G-Advanced has upended the leadership board. Samsung rockets from #6 to #1 in declared SEPs, while former leader Huawei drops to #10, signaling a dramatic realignment of market power and strategy.

Divergent Playbooks: Patent Volume vs. Standards Influence

Leaders are adopting distinct strategies. While some, like Qualcomm, focus on amassing vast patent portfolios for licensing, others, like Huawei, prioritize deep influence within 3GPP standards bodies to shape the technology’s future.

The Three New Battlegrounds of Innovation

The innovation war is being fought across three strategic pillars: enhancing network performance & efficiency, expanding service & coverage, and pioneering the intelligent frontiers of AI/ML that form the bridge to 6G.

Top 7- 20 companies now have more share in 5G advanced than 5G.

Major device makers like Apple and Lenovo are aggressively building their SEP portfolios. Their goal is not licensing revenue but strategic leverage to reduce royalty payouts and gain freedom to operate.

5G Advanced is not solely based on telecom anymore

Not only just telecomm, semiconductor device manufacturers, and electronics goods makers, but also automotive companies hold ~ 60% share in 5G advanced patent families.