14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has expanded the "family" built around its Intellectual Property Licensing program with the addition of the latest member, Tokyo-based Nikon. Both companies applauded the newly inked patent cross-licensing agreement, as the first step of a partnership designed to catalyze development of new digital imaging products, features and innovations.
"This agreement will extend and enhance our already successful, long-standing collaboration with Nikon, and will allow us to provide even better products to our customers," commented Josh Weisberg, director of the Rich Media Group at Microsoft.
Neither of the two companies wished to make the details of the agreement public. However, Microsoft indicated that Nikon would be offering compensation for access to the Redmond giant's intellectual property. The software company revealed that the collaboration would not be focused exclusively on digital cameras, but it would also cover a wide range of consumer products from both companies.
Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft, added, "This agreement is another great example of how industry leaders are coming together to collaborate through intellectual property licensing, and by doing so enabling innovation that will ultimately benefit the consumer. We are proud of the quality of our broad, global patent portfolio, and we are pleased to be working with an industry leader such as Nikon."
Per the terms of the agreement, both companies can tap each other's intellectual property portfolios and leverage proprietary technologies in consumer products. Naoki Tomino, director, member of the board and general manager of Intellectual Property Headquarters at Nikon, indicated the need for the Tokyo-based digital camera manufacturer to remain a pioneer in the photography industry. "This agreement is a natural extension of our long-standing relationship with Microsoft, and we look forward to collaborating and bringing exciting new products to the market," Tomino explained.