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Microsoft and Nikon Ink Super Secret Cross-Licensing Patent Agreement
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Microsoft and Nikon on Thursday announced that they have signed a cross-licensing patent agreement on Nikon’s digital camera patents as well as consumer electronics patents from each company. The two parties did not disclose specifics of the deal, but Microsoft said that it will be receiving payment from Nikon and that the deal will be related to its digital imaging software. Whether this was a cash payment, a royalty, or some other form was not known. The agreement was signed by representatives from both companies at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington.
Nikon has carved out a place as a pioneer of optical technology in Japan and the world since its inception in 1917.
Looking to innovate on each other’s technologies, the companies have previously collaborated on bringing wireless cameras and RAW processing and said that that the new patent cross-licensing agreement will “substantially benefit customers of consumer products including digital cameras.”
Josh Weisberg, director of Microsoft’s rich media group, said,
“This agreement will extend and enhance our already successful, long-standing collaboration with Nikon, and will allow us to provide even better products to our customers.”
The companies believe that this patent cross license agreement will have substantial benefits for consumers and customers of consumer products including digital cameras. Both parties will be able to innovate openly with each others’ technologies, enabling new features and products to come to market.
Microsoft believes this licensing agreement is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 500 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. Over the past two years, Microsoft has entered into similar agreements with Alpine Electronics Inc, Fuji Xerox Co Ltd, Kenwood Corp etc.
One hint at a possible direction for collaboration might be Microsoft’s MediaFrame Vision project, part of its “Next Media” research arm. “The vision for MediaFrame is to enable you to store all of your personal media on your home PC and to quickly, easily and securely share your media to all kinds of connected local and remote display devices.”
Nikon director, Naoki Tomino added -
“At Nikon, we want to continue to lead the industry in pioneering photography solutions and give our customers access to innovative technology.”
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