The OEM and PC manufacturer signed a “patent cross-licensing” agreement.
MarketWatch reported on the agreement between Canon and Microsoft, which will see further collaboration on research and development in addition to a “broadened […] strategic alliance” between the two companies in terms of patents.
The cross-licensing agreement, the two companies noted, means that both Microsoft and Canon “gain licenses to each other’s highly valued and growing patent portfolios”, which covers a range of products and services including “certain digital imaging and mobile consumer products” produced by both companies.
Canon and Microsoft have enjoyed a “long history” of collaboration before this deal, with the previous work including “high-quality, cutting-edge products” made for consumers, such as colour technologies. The two companies stated that “contents of the agreement will not be disclosed” however.
Nick Psyhogeos, General Manager and Associate General Counsel of IP Licensing for Microsoft’s Innovation and Intellectual Property Group, commented: “This collaborative approach with Canon allows us to deliver inventive technologies that benefit consumers around the world. Microsoft believes cooperative licensing is an effective way to accelerate innovation while reducing patent disputes.”
Hideki Sanatake, Senior General Manager for Canon’s Corporate Intellectual Property & Legal Headquarters, added: “This agreement is a natural extension of our longstanding relationship with Microsoft and commitment to developing innovative technologies.”