Press release- Nokia Corporation | Nokia, 11 December 2025
Nokia has expanded its automotive patent licensing footprint by signing new royalty-bearing Wi-Fi patent licence agreements with two global carmakers: Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz. These deals, disclosed in Nokia’s corporate blog by Susanna Martikainen, Chief Licensing Officer for Wireless Technologies, mark significant milestones in bringing advanced wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies into the connected vehicle ecosystem and underline Nokia’s leadership in foundational communication innovations that power modern automotive connectivity.
Under the new agreements, both Stellantis — the multinational automotive group behind brands such as Fiat, Peugeot, Jeep and Alfa Romeo — and Mercedes-Benz can now legally integrate Nokia’s IEEE 802.11 WLAN (Wi-Fi) technologies into their vehicles. These licences are royalty-bearing, meaning the automakers will make payments to Nokia in exchange for use of the patented wireless innovations that enable in-car Wi-Fi, high-speed internet access, seamless streaming, over-the-air updates and other connected car services that consumers increasingly expect.
The recently signed contracts follow an earlier deal with Mercedes-Benz covering WLAN use, completing a strong year for Nokia in automotive WLAN licensing. With these latest additions, Nokia now has Wi-Fi patent agreements in place with eight major automotive manufacturers, reflecting the industry’s recognition of the importance of wireless connectivity standards in delivering rich in-vehicle digital experiences and enabling telematics, infotainment, and predictive analytics capabilities.
For Nokia, these automotive licences build on a long history of investing in communication technologies — including more than €150 billion in research and development since 2000 — and strengthen its broader intellectual property portfolio that also encompasses cellular standard-essential patents for 4G, 5G and future standards. The Wi-Fi agreements are part of Nokia’s strategic efforts to ensure that automakers can harness robust, interoperable wireless features while respecting intellectual property rights, helping to advance the adoption of connected car innovations around the world.
Looking ahead, Nokia says it will continue to pursue amicable licensing arrangements with automotive partners and invest in future connectivity technologies — including those that support automated driving, telematics, and beyond — to help make connected driving safer, smarter and more enjoyable.
