Samsung and Google gain access to each other’s patents in a 10 years cross-licensing deal
Both companies believe that the deal is a significant step for the whole technological industry
The last thing to expect in a Sunday evening is some striking patent news. While there’s always wiser to join them if you can’t beat them, Samsung has joined forces with Google in a 10 years cross-licensing deal. The agreement between the two companies covers all current patents by both as well as any future patents filled in the next ten years.
The strong alliance between the Android creator and the biggest OEM that releases devices running on the same platform will allow both companies to gain access to each other’s portfolios. In long term, the partnership will grow into a deep collaboration in terms of research and development on technologies which will leave fingerprints on current and future products.
In a statement, the Deputy General Counsel for Patents at Google Allen Lo shared that the Google team is pleased with the decision to sign such a cross-license agreement with the Korean company and according to him, by working together on such terms. Both companies could easily reduce the potential for litigation and to focus on innovation instead.
On the other side of the table, the Head of Intellectual Property Centre at Samsung Dr. Seungho Ahn also shares the same level of excitement. In his statement, he points out the agreement with the creator of Android to be not only a great move for both companies, but also a huge and significant step for the whole technological industry. Both sides feel optimistic and they feel that they will finally show the rest of the industry that there’s way more to gain from cooperating with other companies, rather than competing against each other and engaging in unnecessary patent disputes. We believe it’s safe to say that Samsung couldn’t agree more on this after its unpleasant experience in the courtrooms against another giant.
Source: Global Samsung Tomorrow
