Rambus Spends $26 Million on LED and LCD Patents

Rambus' situation hasn't exactly been on the rise lately, with its finances seeing consecutive unfavorable quarters and most of its legal issues still alive and well. Arguably, the only real favorable development was finally settling things with the European Commission last week. Still, even though its finances have been steadily dropping, Rambus suddenly decided it was time to expand and began to do so by spending a hefty $26 million on display and lighting patents.

This move may be seen as surprising considering that Rambus has, so far, specialized in memory technologies. Still, the company made the $26-million deal with GLT (Global Lighting Technologies) for access to its LCD and advanced LED-based general lighting technologies. Rambus will now be able to manufacture ultra-thin LCD displays and hopes to increase its revenue stream.

"Rambus’ long history of creating and licensing leadership solutions makes it the ideal home for this advanced lighting and optoelectronics technology," Jeff Parker, senior vice president, Lighting Technology Division of Rambus, said. "There are tremendous business and technical synergies created by this acquisition. Rambus’ extensive system and integration expertise greatly complements our new LED-based solutions for bright, thin and vibrant displays."

Of course, acquiring a license won't do any good without people to make use of the patents. To remedy its current lack of LCD and LED expertise, Rambus will also be hiring 12 GLT staff members, who will form Rambus' own Lighting Technology Division.

"Adding these breakthrough innovations to our portfolio advances our mission of enriching the consumer experience of electronic systems," Harold Hughes, president and chief executive officer of Rambus, added. "Through the work of Jeff Parker and his team, we will continue to enhance the display of games, movies and images on computers and consumer electronic products."

As suggested, Jeff Parker will lead the new team of display technology experts and will be responsible for turning the 84 acquired technological patents into a source of revenue.