Microsoft and Amazon.com Sign Patent Agreement
Microsoft today announced that it has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Amazon.com. The agreement provides each company with access to the other’s patent portfolio and covers a broad range of products and technology, including coverage for Amazon’s popular e-reading device, Kindle. Although specific terms of the agreement are confidential, Microsoft indicated that Amazon.com will pay Microsoft an undisclosed amount of money under the agreement.
This kind of partnership isn’t new.
Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 600 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio.
The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.
