Description
To identify MU-MIMO patents related to Wi-Fi 6, we employed Wi-Fi 6 relevant keywords such as Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output, Beamforming, Spatial streams, Channel State Information, Spatial multiplexing, Uplink and Downlink MU-MIMO, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access.
The manual evaluation ensures that only patents aligned with the Wi-Fi 6 standard are labelled essential, with each claim thoroughly reviewed without reliance on AI algorithm.
We have analysed one patent per family. If that patent is found to be essential, we did not evaluate the remaining family members. However, if it is found to be non-essential, we analysed other patents within the same family to assess their essentiality
Frequently asked questions
What does this MU-MIMO report cover?
It analyses patents for MU-MIMO technology as used in Wi-Fi 6, rather than the portfolio of a single company. A total of 466 unique patent families were identified for MU-MIMO in relation to Wi-Fi 6. Of these, 32 families were excluded because they are inactive, so the study concentrates on active granted patents. Searches used terms such as Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output, beamforming, spatial streams, channel state information, spatial multiplexing, uplink and downlink MU-MIMO, and OFDMA.
Why were 32 patent families left out?
Those families were excluded because of their inactive status. Family members of the excluded patents were also reviewed: some are still in the application phase, while others are inactive. Since the analysis was limited to active granted patents, neither group was carried forward. That leaves a working set drawn from the 466 families identified, which keeps the results focused on rights that are in force.
How are patent families handled during the review?
One patent per family is analysed first. If that patent is found to be essential, the remaining members of the family are not evaluated. If it is found to be non-essential, other patents within the same family are analysed to assess their essentiality. This keeps the work proportionate while making sure a family is not set aside on the basis of a single member that happens to sit outside the standard.
Was any AI used to decide essentiality?
No. The evaluation is manual, with each claim reviewed against the Wi-Fi 6 standard and no reliance on an AI algorithm. Only patents whose claims align with the standard are labelled essential. Databases, classifications and keywords are used to build the candidate set, but the judgement on each claim is made by a reviewer. That approach means the reasoning behind a classification can be explained and questioned.
