A major development in the automotive and tech industries took shape on June 5, 2025. Smart device maker OPPO announced a global patent licensing agreement with Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft—a deal that gives Volkswagen access to OPPO’s broad portfolio of cellular standard-essential patents (SEPs), including crucial 5G technologies. These will support Volkswagen’s connected vehicle capabilities worldwide.
This isn’t just a routine agreement. For OPPO, it marks its first bilateral licensing deal with an automotive powerhouse, signaling a move well beyond smartphones and into the fast-growing connected car landscape. And for Volkswagen, this partnership could significantly enhance the connected experiences in its vehicles by tapping into OPPO’s leading-edge cellular tech.
A Strategic Alliance for the Connected Era
The car industry is deep in transformation mode. Connectivity is no longer just a feature—it’s a central pillar of modern mobility. Think about in-car infotainment, over-the-air updates, real-time traffic navigation, and smarter safety systems. All of it hinges on strong, fast, and reliable cellular connections. OPPO’s SEPs form part of that backbone, enabling vehicles to communicate with the cloud, other devices, and even other cars.
Vincent Lin, Head of Patent Licensing at OPPO, shared his optimism. “We are delighted to partner with Volkswagen through this patent licensing agreement,” he said, noting Volkswagen’s IP team’s foresight in pursuing this deal. Lin emphasized the move as proof of OPPO’s leadership in cellular tech and its long-term vision for a healthy, sustainable IP ecosystem that supports growth across sectors.
Robin Cefai, Chief IP Licensing Officer at Volkswagen, echoed this view, describing the collaboration as “an example of efficient, respectful, business-focused collaboration in the space of licensing of Standard Essential Patents.” He pointed out that the agreement shows Volkswagen’s recognition of IP value and its approach to finding fair, workable solutions.
OPPO’s Expanding Footprint in Cellular Tech
OPPO’s cellular technologies are already in widespread use. Its 5G SEPs are deployed across more than 40 countries and regions. The company’s heavy focus on R&D is evident in its patent strength. According to LexisNexis® IPlytics, as of January 2025, OPPO ranked eighth globally in overall 5G patent strength. That’s a pretty solid position, highlighting its serious contributions to 5G innovation.
As of March 2025, OPPO had filed over 113,000 patent applications and secured more than 62,000 granted patents worldwide. These numbers reflect years of sustained investment in core tech areas—ranging from 5G/6G communications to AI, charging solutions, imaging, and video processing. It’s not just about quantity; it’s about building a high-value IP base that can drive innovation across multiple industries.
The Future of Connected Mobility
This OPPO-Volkswagen partnership is more than a one-off deal—it’s a glimpse into where the auto and telecom industries are heading. Cars are becoming more intelligent and more dependent on seamless connectivity. By securing access to OPPO’s SEP portfolio, Volkswagen is laying the groundwork to enhance everything from infotainment and navigation to driver-assistance systems and even future autonomous driving features.
And while there are clear commercial benefits, the collaboration hints at a bigger shift. Tech firms that once focused solely on phones or consumer electronics are now indispensable players in automotive innovation. For drivers, this could translate into smoother real-time services, better entertainment options, and cars that are just more intuitive to use. Picture traffic updates that actually work, streaming that doesn’t buffer, and diagnostics you can run from your couch.
There’s also a valuable lesson here about intellectual property management. With so much complexity around standards and licensing, agreements like this show how companies can navigate the landscape without falling into drawn-out legal fights. Clear terms, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to progress—that’s what sets the tone for successful partnerships. OPPO and Volkswagen are offering a roadmap others might soon follow.
As the drive toward fully connected, autonomous vehicles continues, alliances like this one will play a critical role. It’s not just about having the latest tech; it’s about having access to it in a way that’s sustainable, scalable, and beneficial for everyone—from companies to consumers.
