mvm->mei_registered = !iwl_mei_register(mvm, &mei_ops);
 
-       /*
-        * Get NVM failed, but we are registered to MEI, we'll get
-        * the NVM later when it'll be possible to get it from CSME.
-        */
-       if (iwl_mvm_start_get_nvm(mvm) && mvm->mei_registered)
-               return op_mode;
+       if (iwl_mvm_start_get_nvm(mvm)) {
+               /*
+                * Getting NVM failed while CSME is the owner, but we are
+                * registered to MEI, we'll get the NVM later when it'll be
+                * possible to get it from CSME.
+                */
+               if (trans->csme_own && mvm->mei_registered)
+                       return op_mode;
+
+               goto out_thermal_exit;
+       }
+
 
        if (iwl_mvm_start_post_nvm(mvm))
                goto out_thermal_exit;