Thursday, 28 August 2008

Microsoft & Nikon Enter Into Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

Microsoft Corp. and Nikon Corp. have inked a patent cross-licensing agreement that will allow both companies to innovate openly with each other’s technologies, enabling new features and products to come to market.

The agreement covers digital cameras made by Nikon as well as a range of other consumer products each company manufactures and sells.

The agreement was signed by representatives from both companies at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Wash.

Although the contents of the agreement have not been disclosed, the parties indicated that Microsoft is being compensated by Nikon.

Microsoft and Nikon have previously worked together to bring to market consumer products such as wireless cameras and RAW processing technologies.

The companies believe that this patent cross-licensing agreement will substantially benefit customers of consumer products including digital cameras.

“This agreement is another great example of how industry leaders are coming together to collaborate through intellectual property licensing, and by doing so enabling innovation that will ultimately benefit the consumer,” said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft.