14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has taken yet another step on the path to a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem by getting cozy with the father of the VHS format of VCR. In this context, the Redmond company announced that it has expanded its collaboration with the Victor Company of Japan (JVC) by inking a patent cross-licensing agreement. Neither party disclosed the terms of the partnership, let alone the financial details, but, although Microsoft was emphasizing such aspects of the deal like the expansion of technological innovation and the enhancement of customer and consumer experience, the fact of the matter is that JVC is coughing up the cash. The Redmond company did disclose the fact that it will be compensated by JVC for the use of its extensive patent portfolio.
"When technological industry leaders collaborate through intellectual property licensing, we foster greater innovation that will benefit the customer, the consumer and the overall IT ecosystem. We are proud of the quality of our broad, global patent portfolio, and we look forward to continuing to work with JVC and other industry leaders to develop new and exciting technologies through our collaborative licensing program," revealed Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft.
The Redmond company has one of the strongest patent portfolios worldwide, having invested in excess of $7 billion in research and development in 2007 alone. Microsoft is by all means aiming to prove that it is an innovator in the industry, after the company has been accused repeatedly of finding inspiration in rival products. At the same time, back in 2003, the company launches an IP licensing program designed to share its intellectual property with member of the IT industry.
"This agreement strengthens the long-standing collaborative relationship between the two companies. We are pleased that both companies recognize and respect the value of their respective patent portfolio and expect that this will further contribute to the development of high-quality and excellent products and services provided by both companies," added Tetsuro Fuse, associate director and general manager of intellectual property at JVC.