Oppo, the China-based electronics manufacturer, has not received a warm welcome in Europe in recent years. Back in 2022, the company faced a sales ban in Germany after a court ruled that it had illegally usedNokia’s patented technology. Since then, Oppo sister brand OnePlus and fellow BBK Electronics sub-brand Vivo have received the green light to return to Germany. Now, Oppo is making progress of its own, and its immediate effects will be seen in Europe.
OnePlus is returning to Germany for the first time since 2022
The OnePlus 12 and 12R are headed to Germany after 17-month hiatus fueled by Nokia patent feud
According to an update posted by All About Samsung editorMax Jamboron X (formerly Twitter), Oppo is expected to enter a strategic partnership with the Telefonica group as it ramps up for a return to all European markets where the brand had “been present before.” This telecom group is responsible for providing mobile services in 12 countries, primarily in Europe. Oppo’s deal is thought to be for three years, but details on its value were not initially revealed. It is also unclear whether Oppo intends to extend this deal, as well as its presence in Europe.
When Oppo originally ran into trouble in Europe and was issued a sales ban, Nokia offered an independent, neutral arbitration. Oppo rejected this, and it did not attempt to renew any patent licenses on fair terms. The company was just one of several that Nokia took legal action against in Europe — the others were also part of the BBK Electronics group, namely, OnePlus and Vivo.
While OnePlus’ return to Europe may have surprised some, rumors had already suggested that the company intended to come back to the region. In 2023, the company said that it wascontinuing to invest in Europe, despite the recent developments. At the beginning of 2024, Vivo announced that it had entered a patent license agreement with Nokia — one that would resolve “pending litigation” across the region. For these reasons, it isn’t entirely shocking that all three companies are managing to make their way back to Europe.
