REUTERS/Carlos BarriaSTOCKHOLM/BERLIN, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Over a dozen automakers including Toyota (7203.T) and Nissan (7201.T), have signed up with a platform for patent licences from 51 tech companies, aiming to simplify access to wireless technology and avoid costly legal battles. Conflicts have stemmed in part from different views among carmakers, suppliers and tech firms over who should shoulder the cost of licensing. Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE), then Daimler, ended a years-long dispute over its patent use last year with Nokia after being eventually forced to pay. "Usually suppliers handle patents in the development process – telecoms is the one area where they don't," the person, who declined to be named, said. Avanci is also working with companies on a new contract to cover 5G patents, which would likely be more expensive than the current patent portfolio.

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