Nikon snaps patent deal with Microsoft

Camera company Nikon has become the latest to sign a cross-licensing deal with Microsoft.

The two parties did not disclose specifics of the deal, but Microsoft said that it will be receiving payment from Nikon and that the deal will be related to its digital imaging software.

The companies have in the past worked together on several projects, including RAW image processing and wireless connection tools for cameras.

"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," said Josh Weisberg, director of Microsoft's rich media group.

The deal is the latest in an ongoing effort by Microsoft to generate revenue from its intellectual property (IP) portfolio. The company said that it has signed similar deals with Samsung, Olympus, and Fuji Xerox.

"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," boasted Microsoft vice president of intellectual property and licensing Horacio Gutierrez.

"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."

Word of the Nikon deal comes shortly after Microsoft renewed perhaps its most famous IP-sharing deal, the $340m licensing pact with Linux vendor Novell.

See also:

Microsoft and JVC ink patent deal

Cross-licensing agreement covers broad range of consumer products  16 Jan 2008

Microsoft gets into bed with Linux

Deal struck with Turbolinux  23 Oct 2007

Patent suit targets Red Hat and Novell

First Linux patent claim arrives  15 Oct 2007

Cisco wants peace with Microsoft

But turf wars loom as technology giants expand  26 Jul 2007

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