Infineon Technologies AG has successfully closed the acquisition of a significant NFC patent portfolio from France Brevets and Verimatrix. With this deal, Infineon becomes the sole owner of the nearly 300 patents in this portfolio, which cover a wide range of innovative near-field communication (NFC) technologies across multiple countries. These patents span various facets of NFC technology, including those embedded in integrated circuits (ICs) such as Active Load Modulation (ALM), as well as those aimed at enhancing the usability of NFC technology for end-users.

The portfolio was previously managed and monetized by France Brevets, and with this acquisition, Infineon now fully integrates these assets into its own patent administration framework. This move underscores Infineon’s commitment to strengthening its leadership in connectivity and security, especially in the fast-evolving Internet of Things (IoT) market.

“With this acquisition, Infineon further strengthens its IP and technology portfolio, specifically in our leadership markets for security and connectivity for the IoT,” said Thomas Rosteck, President of Infineon’s Connected Secure Systems division. “This expansion of our own patent portfolio highlights the excellent company positioning and its continuous investment in technology spanning several verticals. The acquired patents will not only increase our visibility in connectivity and IoT but is another step towards our IP leadership in device authentication.”

The acquisition represents a strategic step towards reinforcing Infineon’s competitive edge, providing them with a unique advantage to develop faster and more efficiently in some of the most demanding technological environments. It is expected to support the development of innovative customer solutions across various industries. Potential use cases for the new patents span several areas, including IoT applications and secured identity management in wearables like wristbands, rings, watches, and glasses. These patents will also play a crucial role in securing transactions and enhancing the reliability of connected devices in a rapidly expanding market.

According to ABI Research, the market for NFC-enabled devices is set to experience significant growth, with projections estimating that more than 15 billion NFC-enabled items will be shipped between 2022 and 2026. The acquisition positions Infineon to tap into this burgeoning market, providing a solid foundation for future growth.

Manufacturers of NFC devices frequently face challenges related to specific geometries, materials, and security requirements. Form factors and security implementation constraints often lead to longer design cycles, especially when integrating NFC technology into wearables. For instance, NFC integration into wearables often requires the use of small loop antennas and highly specific designs. These physical constraints can create challenges in meeting industry standards, particularly with passive load modulation. Active Load Modulation (ALM), a key aspect of the newly acquired patent portfolio, provides a solution to these spatial limitations, enabling the development of more compact and efficient NFC systems.