Microsoft and Lexmark International have signed a cross-licensing agreement covering a broad range of products, including Lexmark’s printers and multifunction products and Microsoft’s software. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Since the launch of its IP licensing program in 2003, Microsoft has signed more than 500 licensing agreements with companies including Kenwood, Alpine Electronics, Fuji Xerox, LG Electronics, NEC, Nikon, Nortel Networks, Novell, Olympus, Onkyo, Samsung Electronics, Seiko Epson, and Pioneer. Last month, it signed a similar deal with Brother Industries covering MFDs, printers, and Linux-based embedded devices.
David Kaefer, general manager of intellectual property licensing at Microsoft, said: We believe that intellectual property (IP) licensing, especially during tough economic times, is an empowering way to foster collaboration and bring product differentiation to consumers. Because Microsoft and Lexmark have access to an extensive range of technologies, this agreement allows each company to shorten its development cycle and increase focus on customer-related innovation.
Marty Canning, vice president of Lexmark and president of its Printing Solutions and Services Division, said: “This agreement allows both companies to benefit from sharing the innovation in our respective patent portfolios. “We believe this agreement will improve the productivity of both our businesses and result in enhanced product offerings and increased satisfaction for all our customers.”
