With the legendary Nokia name getting scrapped off the mobile market listings, everyone is wondering what’s next for the company. Under the acquisition agreement, Nokia’s phone business is now owned by Microsoft. Nokia is now left with it Nokia Networks, Technology and the Here Maps business. But it seems like the company is contemplating a re-entry into the consumer electronics business.
The new boss who is entrusted with taking the business of the fallen giant spoke of the company’s future plans in London. CEO Rajeev Suri said that the company will make a re-entry into the consumer market. It was his answer to a query that inquired about rumors that the company was looking to make a comeback the handset market.
What was interesting was the comments of the CEO about brand licensing. Mr. Suri said “We see brand licensing as an opportunity … But I would say it is more of a long-term opportunity.” Using the tremendous goodwill it still has in the market, the company might try to use it to its advantage. You might see electronics branded with the Nokia name in your electronic showrooms in the future.
Presently Microsoft has licensed to use the Nokia brand on mobile phones Nokia Asha, Nokia X and Nokia feature phones for ten years and on Lumia for 18 months. The Lumia brand had the option to retain the Nokia brand till December 31, 2015. Microsoft clearly wasn’t in the mood to wait long and dropped the Nokia brand last week when it introduced the Microsoft Lumia 535.
For the folks who were mourning the demise of the Finnish giant, this comes like a light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, it might be a bit of a wait before this news materializes but for the faithful fans of the brand, it means that it’s not goodbye just yet. We will be waiting for your comeback Nokia.
