Avoiding ambush accusations

Charles Whiddington and Joseph Ward of Field Fisher Waterhouse discuss lessons to be learnt from the Rambus investigation

The European Commission’s “patent ambush” investigation against technology licensing company Rambus should serve as a warning to entities engaged in setting industry standards that they should do so in an open and transparent manner. Neelie Kroes, the outgoing Competition Commissioner, stated that the Commission will vigorously enforce the competition rules in this area.