14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft introduced at the end of 2003, a patent licensing program designed to permit third-parties access to its own portfolio of intellectual properties. In this regard, Kenwood is but the latest company to ink a broad patent licensing agreement with the Redmond company. According to Microsoft, the partnership is focused on multimedia and communications innovations designed for car navigation and home entertainment systems, as well as consumer electronics and software. Neither of the two companies disclosed the terms of the agreement. And while the financial details were not made public, Kenwood is apparently coughing up the cash in order to be permitted access to Microsoft's patents.
"This agreement is an example of how industry leaders can use intellectual property licensing as a means of collaboration to foster innovation that will benefit the customer, consumer and the overall IT ecosystem," said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft. "We are proud of the quality of our broad, global patent portfolio and look forward to continuing to work with Kenwood and other industry leaders to develop new and exciting technologies through our licensing program."
"This agreement expands the scope of collaborative relations between the two parties," said Kazuo Ishiguro, vice president of Intellectual Property at Kenwood. "We expect this will accelerate product development by sharing the technologies that Microsoft and Kenwood have developed. It also provides an environment for our customers to utilize the products and services provided by both companies."
Microsoft debuted its IP licensing program in December 2003, and since then, the company has passed the 200 licensing agreements milestone. Kenwood is but the latest company to be added to Microsoft's already extensive list of intellectual property partners, along with Fuji Xerox, LG Electronics, NEC, Nortel Networks, Novell, Samsung and Seiko Epson. Kenwood is one of the top worldwide providers of Mobile & Home Multimedia Systems, and will integrate Microsoft's technology into its products.