Nokia Corporation
Stock Exchange Release
December 1, 2016 at 12:00 (CET +1)
Nokia brand licensee HMD Global is now the new home of Nokia phones
Espoo, Finland - Nokia confirms that the strategic agreement covering branding rights and intellectual property licensing with HMD Global Oy (HMD), originally announced on May 18, 2016 has come into force.
HMD has today announced the completion of transactions between HMD, FIH Mobile Limited (a subsidiary of Hon Hai Precision Industries trading as Foxconn Technology Group) and Microsoft, which means that HMD can begin operations as the new home of Nokia phones, under an exclusive global brand license1 for the next ten years.
Nokia branded feature phones remain one of the most popular choices of mobile phone in many markets around the world today and HMD will continue to market them as part of an integrated portfolio, alongside a new range of smartphones and tablets to be announced later by HMD.
Under the agreement, Nokia will receive royalty payments from HMD for sales of every Nokia branded mobile phone and tablet, covering both brand and intellectual property rights. Nokia is not an investor or shareholder in HMD.
Brad Rodrigues, interim president of Nokia Technologies, said:
"We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones. The HMD Global team has the ambition, talent and resources to bring a new generation of Nokia branded phones to market, and we wish them every success. I'm sure our millions of Nokia fans will be excited to see their new products!"
Today also sees the return of Nokia branded phones to the Nokia website at www.nokia.com/phones. The website for Nokia phones is operated by HMD.
1 Excluding Japan
About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in creating the technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing.
From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com
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