The two companies announced the new partnership today

Jul 2, 2014 20:35 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft and Canon today announced the signing of a new partnership that allows the companies to access each other's mobile and digital imaging patents that would enable them to continue developments in these two sides of the industry.

No specifics have been provided, but this isn't the first time when Microsoft and Canon are joining forces for a common goal, as the two companies previously sign a deal for Redmond's exFAT file system technology, which was also licensed by many other firms.

“This collaborative approach with Canon allows us to deliver inventive technologies that benefit consumers around the world,” said Nick Psyhogeos, general manager, associate general counsel, IP Licensing of the Innovation and Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. “Microsoft believes cooperative licensing is an effective way to accelerate innovation while reducing patent disputes.”

Microsoft says the deal “furthers collaboration on R&D,” but again no other details have been provided, such as terms of the agreement or financial information.

As far as the exFAT patents are concerned, Microsoft is already making millions out of them, with several large companies paying royalties, including Samsung, HP, Panasonic, RIM, and Sharp, all of which have agreed to pay Redmond an undisclosed sum in order to use patents on their devices.