Xiaomi Looking To File More Patents Ahead Of U.S. Launch

At a recent conference, Xiaomi's international head Hugo Barra said that the company is looking to file more patents and strike more deals and partnerships ahead of a launch in the U.S.

Xiaomi has already filed for 2000 patents and Barra said, "Think of it as a war chest of sorts." He further explained that the company is doing two things here: one is to systematically take patent licenses, and the second is to have a portfolio of patent licenses for defensive purposes. Regarding the latter, Barra said, "Secondly, we’re building our own portfolio of patents, you know, for defensive purposes because you kind of have to have that.”

Xiaomi has enjoyed great success in China and recently made a big push into India with the Mi 4i. However, these countries are more lax about patent infringements. if Xiaomi is serious about the U.S. where patent infringements are taken more seriously, it would need a stronger portfolio of patents.