Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Microsoft, Pioneer In Patent Deal

Computing heavyweight Microsoft Corp. revealed Tuesday that it has signed a patent cross-licensing agreement with Japanese electronics manufacturer Pioneer Corp. According to Microsoft, the technology-sharing deal allows each company to further develop their product lines and covers a broad range of consumer products, including Pioneer's auto navigation devices and televisions and Microsoft’s software applications. The agreement, Microsoft added, essentially permits greater mutual access to each company's respective patent portfolio. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, Microsoft noted that it is being compensated by Pioneer. Pioneer is based in Tokyo.