Shanghai Langbo Sells Thousands of 4G/5G Patents to Fortress
Shanghai Langbo, often dubbed "China’s InterDigital," has made a pivotal strategic shift by divesting the majority of its patent portfolio following years of struggles to monetize its intellectual property. Founded in 2013, the company recently transferred its patents in segmented portfolios to two U.S. buyers, according to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) records.
One key transaction involves over 500 global patents related to V2X (vehicle-to-everything) technology, sold to Bunker Hills Technologies (BHT), a subsidiary of Dominion Harbor Enterprises (DHE). "With the establishment of BHT, Dominion Harbor continues to expand its influence in facilitating the commercialization of innovative technologies across various sectors. BHT is dedicated to collaborating with automotive companies worldwide to license these technologies, fostering innovation and driving the future of automotive development," David Pridham, Chairman and CEO of Dominion Harbor Enterprises.
"The acquisition of Langbo's V2X patents is a significant milestone in our commitment to building a comprehensive portfolio that addresses the automotive sector's most pressing technological challenges. By aggregating these patents, Bunker Hill Technologies will become an invaluable resource for companies striving to implement the latest advancements in automotive technology. The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving with the integration of sophisticated technologies, and our extensive patent collection will enable manufacturers and suppliers to accelerate innovation and enhance their competitive position", added Pridham.
Yang Lin, CEO of Langbo Communication Technology, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: "We are delighted to have closed this transaction with Dominion Harbor. Their esteemed reputation in intellectual property management, combined with their strategic vision in the automotive field, is unparalleled. Partnering with them ensures that our innovations will reach the manufacturers and suppliers who can effectively leverage them to revolutionize mobility and connectivity on a global scale."
A larger deal, disclosed this month, saw Apogee Networks, LLC—a newly formed non-practicing entity (NPE) under Fortress Investment Group—acquire 1,985 global patents (spanning 1,388 patent families). Additional undisclosed transactions suggest thousands more patents may have changed hands.
Public records indicate Shanghai Langbo currently lists 2,972 global patents on its website, but patent database searches reveal the actual count exceeds 4,100. This implies nearly all its patents have now been transferred to U.S.-based NPEs.
The move follows Langbo’s limited success in licensing deals with major smartphone OEMs. While it secured a landmark settlement with Apple in 2023 after prolonged disputes, efforts to license Chinese manufacturers like OPPO, Honor, and others stagnated. Patent litigation between Chinese companies is often viewed as unusual within China, and cross-border lawsuits—such as Lenovo’s 2023 case against ZTE in the UK—face intense scrutiny.
Analysts suggest the transfers to DHE and Fortress reflect China’s challenging IP landscape for NPEs. Foreign and domestic NPEs alike struggle to monetize patents solely within China, where enforcement remains inconsistent. By shifting assets to U.S. entities, Langbo’s patents may gain stronger leverage in Western courts, where litigation-driven monetization is more viable.
This strategic exit underscores broader tensions in China’s IP ecosystem, where small NPEs face systemic hurdles in negotiating licenses without litigation—a path fraught with political and cultural resistance.
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