Improving the collaboration of Microsoft and Nikon, the two companies have signed a patent cross-licensing agreement to further the development of each company’s current and future product lines. Apart from covering consumer products each company manufactures and sells, the agreement also covers digital cameras made by Nikon.

Nikon regards this agreement as a natural extension of its long-standing relationship with Microsoft. By collaborating with Microsoft, the company looks to introduce exciting new products to its customers.

This is not the first time where Microsoft and Nikon have formed an agreement. The two companies have come together in the past to bring high-quality, cutting-edge consumer products to the market, which includes wireless cameras and RAW processing technologies. With this agreement, the companies believe that the consumers of digital cameras will be specially benefitted. Both parties will be able to innovate openly with each other’s technologies, enabling new features and products to come to market.
 
The agreement was signed by representatives from both companies at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Although the companies have not disclosed the terms of the agreement, the Microsoft web site states that the company is being compensated by Nikon. Microsoft believes that this agreement will extend and enhance its long standing collaboration with Nikon.
 
Also, Microsoft believes this licensing agreement is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 500 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio.
 
“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,” 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 we are pleased to be working with an industry leader such as Nikon.”

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