Open Mobile Alliance Distinguishes Itself From DRM Patent Pool
SAN DIEGO, April 25 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
In response to ongoing industry concerns about licensing terms proposed by MPEG LA for the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA)
Digital Rights Management (DRM), OMA reiterates its earlier statements distinguishing itself from MPEG LA and its
licensing terms for OMA DRM. OMA is a specification setting organization focused on interoperability. It exists as a
means for companies involved in the mobile industry to develop open, interoperable mobile specifications based on market
requirements.
OMA does not have a relationship with MPEG LA and did not participate in the development of the license terms suggested
by MPEG LA for OMA DRM. Additionally, OMA is not in a position to determine the applicability or completeness of the
patent claims of the MPEG LA and its patent pool participants. As a condition of membership in OMA, the member companies
have agreed to grant a non-exclusive license for OMA members and non-members to use any of their essential IPR on fair,
reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and conditions.
"OMA DRM is a quality technical specification developed collaboratively by OMA member companies around the world. The
industry's concerned response to MPEG LA's DRM license fee proposal highlights the industry's interest in ensuring
availability of open mobile services," said Jari Alvinen, OMA, Chairman of the Board.
Mobile services based on open standards benefit all participants in the mobile industry. Interoperable DRM technology is
an important element of these mobile services. The DRM specification developed by the members of OMA addresses content
providers' requirements that their creative property is protected from illegal distribution of content. Without an
interoperable DRM system to protect that content, service providers are limited in the types of content they can offer
their customers.
The success of OMA DRM based services depends on a number of factors including reasonable IPR licensing schemes. Today,
a substantial number of mobile device models support OMA DRM, with more models being added every month. Content services
across the globe have adopted the specification for premium entertainment services, and initial implementations beyond
mobile devices are beginning to be deployed.
About the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) delivers open specifications for the mobile
industry, helping to create interoperable services that work across countries, operators and mobile terminals and are
driven by users' needs. To expand the mobile market, companies supporting the Open Mobile Alliance will work to
stimulate the fast and wide adoption of a variety of new, enhanced mobile information, communication and entertainment
services. The Open Mobile Alliance includes all key elements of the wireless value chain, and contributes to the timely
and efficient introduction of services and applications. For more information, please visit www.openmobilealliance.org.
NOTE: OMA and Open Mobile Alliance are trademarks of Open Mobile Alliance Ltd. Other product and company names mentioned
herein may be trademarks or trade names of their respective owners. SOURCE: Open Mobile Alliance
ENDS