On July 17, 2025, Nokia reached the Delhi High Court to challenge the Indian Patent Office’s (IPO) rejection of its patent application involving a key 5G technology known as network slicing. Nokia’s proposed innovation introduces a secure, third-party authentication mechanism during device registration to enhance privacy and security when accessing specific network slices. But the official authority rejected the application. But what is the reason behind it? Let’s find out.
The Technology Behind Nokia’s 5G Patent Dispute.
Nokia’s patent is about a new way for devices to safely connect to 5G network slices. In 5G, one physical network can be split into several virtual parts, called slices. Each slice is made for a different purpose—like one for hospitals, one for online gaming, and another for self-driving cars.
Network slicing lets a 5G network be split into different virtual parts, each designed to handle different kinds of tasks or users—like one slice for fast mobile internet, another for critical healthcare communications, and another for gaming—all running on the same physical network.
Nokia’s idea adds an extra security step when a device tries to join one of these slices. Before connecting, the device has to go through an extra identity check using a trusted third party. This helps keep out unauthorized users, protects important services like emergency healthcare, and gives companies better control over who uses their network.
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Why the Patent Office Didn’t Approve Nokia’s Application.
The Indian Patent Office turned down Nokia’s patent application for 5G network slicing for a few reasons.
- Not new enough—the technology was already described in existing standards, so it wasn’t considered a fresh or original idea.
- Too obvious—the improvement was seen as predictable or routine, without enough creative or technical difference.
- Only software-based— Since the invention was purely software and didn’t involve any new hardware, it was excluded under Section 3(k) of India’s patent rules.
- Unclear details—The application included confusing or vague claim language, overlapping points, and lacked timely updates to important documents.
However, Nokia did not give up and decided to challenge the decision by approaching the Delhi High Court for relief.
How Nokia Is Contesting the Patent Rejection in Delhi High Court
Nokia argued that their 5G network slicing technology is not just software but a real technical improvement that adds a new layer of security by requiring third-party authentication during device registration. They said this is important for protecting sensitive services like hospitals and gaming networks. Nokia also pointed out that similar patents have been approved in other countries like the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. They believe the Indian Patent Office misunderstood their invention and wrongly rejected the application.
Nokia vs. IPO: What the November Hearing Could Mean for Tech Patents in India
The next stage in Nokia’s legal battle will unfold in the Delhi High Court, where the company is contesting the Indian Patent Office’s rejection of its patent application for 5G network slicing technology.
- The next major hearing is scheduled for November 2025.
- Both Nokia and the Indian Patent Office will present their full arguments during this hearing.
- The court will examine whether Nokia’s software-based innovation qualifies for patent protection under Indian law.
- Nokia’s technology involves adding an extra security layer to 5G network slices through third-party authentication.
- The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how India handles similar high-tech patent applications in the future.
Conclusion
This case is important because it tests how India’s patent system treats advanced 5G technologies. Nokia’s innovation adds critical security to network slicing, but was rejected as being too obvious and software-based. The outcome could shape future patent protection for telecom innovations in India and influence how global tech firms view India’s IP environment.
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