On April 14th, IAM published an article featuring Celerity IP, a unique IP licensing firm backed by GLS Capital, which launched new patent enforcement actions in Germany against smartphone giants Oppo and Xiaomi. These lawsuits mark the latest developments in Celerity’s ongoing efforts to monetize cellular connectivity patents originally developed by Asus.
Founded in 2021 by GLS Capital, Celerity operates differently from traditional non-practicing entities. It does not own the patents it enforces but acts as a service provider and exclusive licensing agent for two Asus-related companies: Innovative Sonic and Asus Technology Licensing. Led by CEO Chad Hilyard, Celerity has already secured significant licensing deals with Lenovo, LG Electronics, and Samsung.
While the current lawsuits in Europe target Oppo and Xiaomi—both sued separately by Asus and Innovative Sonic—Celerity has also directed U.S.-based enforcement campaigns against AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Although a price-fixing claim in those cases has been dropped, broader disputes remain active.
GLS and Celerity believe that additional lawsuits may follow, with more than 15 companies yet to obtain licenses for the managed patent portfolios. While the firm prefers to settle through negotiation, its growing litigation footprint underscores a broader trend in patent enforcement strategies by licensing agents like Celerity.
Click here to read the full article (subscription required): https://www.iam-media.com/article/oppo-and-xiaomi-suits-unlikely-be-our-last-says-celerity-ip-ceo