The US technology company, Microsoft, has announced a cross-licensing patent agreement with Japan’s Canon. The two companies have collaborated on select R&D including exFAT file system technology in the past. But the new agreement involves an undisclosed number of digital imaging and mobile patents.
“This agreement covers a broad range of products and services each company offers, including certain digital imaging and mobile consumer products. Microsoft and Canon have a long history of collaborating to bring high-quality, cutting-edge products to consumers, including color technology,” wrote Microsoft.
Neither of the companies shed light on the respective patents portfolios. However, we believe that Microsoft would utilize these patents on its next iteration of PureView technology. Now that Microsoft owns Nokia’s devices and business, the company would want to push forward Nokia’s camera technologies.
“This agreement is a natural extension of our longstanding relationship with Microsoft and commitment to developing innovative technologies,” said Hideki Sanatake, senior general manager, Corporate Intellectual Property & Legal Headquarters of Canon Inc.
The collaboration could definitely result in better integration of Windows Phone and Canon’s camera technologies. Also, Microsoft motion detection sensor Kinect could also make use of it. As of now, we will have to sit and wait for the two companies to showcase some great work.