Samsung and Google's dependency on each other in the mobile sector just became a little more official with a global patent cross license agreement agreement signed by both parties. As per the terms of this agreement, Samsung and Google can not only freely use each others patented ideas, they are also free to "gain access to each other’s industry-leading patent portfolios." This agreement will last 10 years and covers not only current but future patents. This truly means that Samsung and Google are sharing secrets with each other and are essentially partners. This is much like the Nokia/Microsoft before the buyout, except for the fact that Samsung can produce handsets with any OS.
"We're pleased to enter into a cross-license with our partner Samsung. By working together on agreements like this, companies can reduce the potential for litigation and focus instead on innovation. With this agreement, Samsung and Google gain access to each other’s industry-leading patent portfolios, paving the way for deeper collaboration on research and development of current and future products and technologies."
- Allen Lo, Deputy General Counsel for Patents at Google
"This agreement with Google is highly significant for the technology industry. Samsung and Google are showing the rest of the industry that there is more to gain from cooperating than engaging in unnecessary patent disputes."
- Dr. Seungho Ahn, the Head of Samsung’s Intellectual Property Center.
I don't know if I really believe the why from Google on this agreement...however I will now be watching Samsung devices with a lot more interest in the next coming years. I can't wait to see what Google and Samsung create together.
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