Microsoft Inks Automotive Technology Patent Deal with DENSO

Microsoft and DENSO, a supplier of advanced automotive technology, have penned a patent cross-licensing agreement focused on existing and future products from each company. Specifically, the software giant revealed that the deal grants DENSO access to its innovations related to automotive infotainment and in-dash navigation. In return for sharing its auto-drive and navigation technologies with DENSO, Microsoft will also be able to tap the Japanese company’s IP dowry. However, the Redmond-based company emphasizes that that the agreement inked with DENSO does not involve the exchange or licensing of actual technologies.

“Microsoft is investing in automotive infotainment software, something you can see from products like Ford SYNC, Kia UVO and Blue&Me, and we’ve developed a compelling patent portfolio in this space,” commented David Kaefer, general manager of Intellectual Property (IP) Licensing at Microsoft. “A patent license like this will allow both DENSO and Microsoft to deliver the type of cutting-edge innovations that our respective customers demand.”

As is generally the case with the patent deals penned by Microsoft and various companies worldwide, only general details were provided on the agreement with DENSA. Neither party wished to make public the financial terms of their IP partnership. However, the Redmond-based company did indicate that it would be compensated by DENSO for the use of its intellectual property in the latter’s products.

Microsoft has a long history of collaboration with members of the automotive industry, well over a decade, in fact, especially through the deals focused on its Windows Embedded Automotive platform. At the same time, the software giant also singed additional agreements with third parties, including patent deals with Alpine Electronics Inc., Pioneer Corp. and TomTom NV, expanding its involvement in the industry beyond the delivery of rich connected in-vehicle experiences. DENSO is just the latest to pen an automotive IP deal with Microsoft, having already established itself as a systems and components supplier for automakers including Toyota and Lexus.