German courts have halted ASUS and Acer from selling laptops and desktops directly to German shoppers after Nokia won an injunction over HEVC codec patents. The ruling means the manufacturers’ German‑language storefronts must remove product listings, while third‑party retailers can still offer the devices if they hold a proper licence. Here’s what you need to know.
Why the Court Issued an Injunction
HEVC Patent Claims
Nokia asserts that the HEVC (High‑Efficiency Video Coding) technology built into many modern laptops infringes its patents. By shipping devices that support 4K and HDR streaming without a licence, ASUS and Acer allegedly violated Nokia’s intellectual‑property rights, prompting the Munich Regional Court to grant an injunction that bars direct sales in Germany.
Impact on German Consumers
Direct Sales vs Third‑Party Retailers
If you visit the official German websites of ASUS or Acer, you’ll find almost no products listed. The injunction only covers sales made through the manufacturers’ own online stores; it does not affect independent retailers, electronics chains, or marketplace sellers that have secured their own HEVC licences. You can still purchase a ZenBook or Predator from these alternative channels.
Industry Implications
Licensing Compliance for PC Makers
The case highlights that compliance with codec licences is no longer a back‑office detail. Every component—from GPU drivers to video decoders—must be covered before a device reaches the market, or manufacturers risk swift legal action.
Potential Financial Effects
Both ASUS and Acer rely heavily on the German market, which represents roughly €30 billion in consumer electronics sales. Losing direct‑sale channels could dent quarterly revenues, even though the companies can lean on existing reseller networks to offset the short‑term hit.
What ASUS and Acer Are Doing Next
Appeal Strategy
The two firms have announced plans to appeal, arguing that Nokia’s patents are either invalid or not applicable to the specific hardware configurations they sell. A successful appeal would lift the sales ban and restore the status quo.
Possible Licensing or Redesign
If the appeal fails, ASUS and Acer may negotiate a licence with Nokia or redesign future products to avoid the contested HEVC technology altogether. Either path will shape how quickly the direct‑sale ban can be resolved.
Key Takeaways
- Direct sales blocked: ASUS and Acer must remove listings from their German‑language storefronts.
- Third‑party sales remain: You can still buy their devices from authorized retailers that hold a valid HEVC licence.
- Compliance matters: The ruling reinforces the need for thorough patent‑licence checks across all hardware components.
- Future outlook: An appeal is pending; a licence agreement or product redesign may follow.
