SEPs By eldemokraty 1883 Formation of the International Telegraph Union (ITU), first international standardizing body. 1970 Rise of mobile telephony, early discussions about SEP concept. 1980 Formation of European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). 1990 Widespread adoption of GSM standard, first major example of SEP licensing. 2000 Rise of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless standards, increasing complexity of SEP landscape. 2010 Surge in SEP litigation around the globe, concerns about hold-up and FRAND disputes. 2019 Ongoing debates about SEP reform, focus on promoting innovation and competition.