Toolkit for India to take the lead in the 6G race

If you are reading this article on a wireless device, then a complex set of interdependent, multi-component technologies are at work.

- Ashish Bharadwaj

These technologies come together as technical standards based on patent-protected inventions. Technical standards are ubiquitous and ensure seamless functionality in devices we use daily.

A smartphone, for instance, contains hundreds of thousands of patents, which demonstrates industrial-grade technology innovation where functions such as camera, memory, sensors, touchscreen, and apps rely on underlying standards (4G/5G, Wi-Fi, audio/video codecs) ensuring interoperability. This interoperability—which makes a device smart—extends beyond the smartphone to wearable devices, connected cars, and IoT.

Standard development allows patent holders to propose solutions in open standard development forums. Patents for tech deemed essential to a standard (Standard Essential Patent or SEP) must be licensed on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms.

The global tech industry, academia, and government bodies collaborate in standard development, which is inherently risky, uncertain, and expensive. A consensus-driven tech-adoption process fosters innovation, interoperability, and inclusivity in the participating organizations (innovators and implementers) that have varying expectations, priorities, and commercial interests.