BEIJING — In a notable development illustrating the complex interplay of global technology and geopolitical tensions, U.S.-based personal computing giant HP has inked a multi-year global agreement to license specific WiFi patents from Chinese telecoms titan Huawei. The announcement, made Wednesday, comes despite Huawei's enduring presence on a U.S. government blacklist since 2019, which has significantly restricted its ability to collaborate with American suppliers, including tech behemoths like Google.
HP was quick to clarify the nature of the agreement, emphasizing that it constitutes a "standard-essential patent license" for Wi-Fi technology—a routine practice for companies whose products integrate Wi-Fi connectivity. "It is not new, does not represent a broader strategic or commercial relationship, partnership, or collaboration with Huawei," an HP statement affirmed. This clarification seeks to distance the deal from any implications of deepened strategic ties with the blacklisted entity.
The licensing agreement is a direct outcome of a patent dispute involving HP, Huawei, and other firms that was resolved late last year. This resolution granted HP access to the Sisvel WiFi 6 patent pool, which comprises over 2,000 patents related to wireless network connectivity, with Huawei notably being a founding member. HP further elaborated in a subsequent statement that it felt compelled to license these patents after being sued by Huawei. "HP was forced to either license or litigate with the risk of limiting our ability to serve our customers," the company stated, highlighting the necessity of the agreement.
Adding another layer to the intricate deal, the global cross-licensing agreement also incorporates "valuable reciprocal patent rights from HP," according to Steven Geiszler, who represented Huawei in the negotiations. Geiszler, a seasoned intellectual property lawyer who spent nearly a decade in-house at Huawei before establishing his own firm with Huawei as a primary client, underscored the mutual benefits of the arrangement.
An image included with the original article showed the Huawei booth at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, dated 2025. Image credit: Arjun Kharpal | CNBC.
This licensing pact emerges as HP prepares to release its third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings on Thursday morning Beijing time, casting a spotlight on the company's strategic navigation of global tech markets. HP, which operates as a distinct entity since its spin-off from Hewlett-Packard Company in 2015, continues to adapt its business model amidst evolving international regulations and intellectual property landscapes.
