Open Mobile Alliance Distinguishes Itself From DRM Patent Pool

SAN DIEGO, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.