Ericsson, Qualcomm and ZTE are among the backers of a “one-stop licensing platform” targeting IoT device makers.

Run by Avanci, a company founded this year by former Ericsson executive Kasim Alfalahi, it will see the three vendors, along with KPN and InterDigital, offer patents through a single licence on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.

“Companies can expect a transparent flat rate price for each device that will vary based on the value the technology brings to the devices,” it said.

The initial focus will be on 2G, 3G and 4G technologies for connected cars and smart metres, before expanding to other IoT product areas.

The company said the new, open platform will also accelerate the process of securing technology rights and time to market for IoT.

Companies that are seeking to add connectivity to their products, and players with a portfolio of standard essential wireless patents to share can join the marketplace.

Alfalahi said since beginning in April, Avanci received a warm reception from both IoT device manufacturers and patent owners, and expects to add more companies to the platform in the months ahead.

“With Avanci, something that would require time and resources to negotiate with many technology holders can now be done in one place, with one licence,” he said.