In a landmark move, OPPO has entered into a global patent licensing agreement with Volkswagen Group. This partnership grants Volkswagen access to OPPO's portfolio of cellular standard-essential patents (SEPs), including 5G technologies, aiming to enhance the connectivity features of Volkswagen's vehicles worldwide.
This collaboration marks OPPO's first bilateral patent licensing deal with a connected-car company, signaling the expansion of its cellular innovations beyond smartphones into the automotive domain. For Volkswagen, the integration of OPPO's advanced cellular technologies is expected to bolster the performance and connectivity of its vehicles, aligning with the growing demand for advanced in-car communication systems.
Vincent Lin, Head of Patent Licensing at OPPO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are delighted to collaborate with Volkswagen through this patent licensing agreement. Volkswagen IP team's hard work and foresight in recognizing the value of this cooperation are highly appreciated." He further emphasized that the partnership underscores OPPO's leadership in cellular technology innovation and its commitment to fostering a sustainable intellectual property ecosystem.
Robin Cefai, Chief IP Licensing Officer at Volkswagen, highlighted the collaborative nature of the agreement, noting, "The partnership with OPPO is an example of efficient, respectful, business-focused collaboration in the space of licensing of Standard Essential Patents." He added that it illustrates Volkswagen's recognition of the value of intellectual property and its intent to find sustainable solutions for innovation-led collaboration.
As of March 2025, OPPO has filed over 113,000 patent applications and holds more than 62,000 granted patents globally. According to LexisNexis IPlytics, OPPO ranked eighth globally in overall 5G patent strength as of January 2025. The company's technologies are distributed across more than 40 countries and regions, with continuous investment in key innovation areas such as 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, charging, imaging, and video.
The integration of OPPO's 5G technologies into Volkswagen's connected vehicles is poised to significantly enhance user experiences, offering improved connectivity and performance. This collaboration reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where car manufacturers are increasingly partnering with tech companies to incorporate advanced communication technologies into their vehicles, catering to the evolving demands of consumers for seamless connectivity on the move.
Conclusion
The partnership between OPPO and Volkswagen represents a significant step in the convergence of the technology and automotive industries. By leveraging OPPO's advanced 5G technologies, Volkswagen aims to enhance the connectivity features of its vehicles, offering enriched experiences to its customers. This collaboration not only underscores the importance of cross-industry partnerships in driving innovation but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between tech companies and automakers.