LG partners with Google in 10-year patent deal

1 December 2014 04:16 am Views - 964

LG Electronics of Korea has tightened its ties with Google in a patent cross-licensing agreement that is set to last for at least a decade.In a sign that LG and Google are tightening their Android alliance, the two companies have announced a deal to enter into a ‘long-term patent cross-licensing agreement’ covering both existing and future products.

 


In a statement released on LG’s website, the Korean company confirmed that the agreement would cover “a broad range of products and technologies” and would apply to all existing patents as well as patents filed over the next 10 years – a significant timeline in terms of product releases.
In a statement, Executive Vice President and Head of LG Electronics Intellectual Property Centre J.H. Lee joined Google in praising the partnership, saying it would build a long-standing alliance between the two companies.He said, “LG values its relationship with Google and this agreement underscores the commitment of both companies to developing new products and technologies that enhance consumers’ lives.”

 


Google Deputy General Counsel for Patents Allen Lo said, “We’re pleased to enter into this agreement with a leading global technology company like LG. By working together on cross-licences like this, we can focus on bringing great products and services to consumers around the world.” The cross-licensing with Google is a significant win for LG, not just in terms of strengthening ties with the company behind its mobile OS but also as a sign of strength in the ever present market battle to retain its position as the world’s number one brand.As for Google, the company is happy to further strengthen its bond with a key manufacturing partner – a brand that not only utilizes Android across a broad range of devices but one that also partnered closely with the US company in the past for the development of the Nexus 5.