LG and Google have signed a 10 year global patent cross-licensing agreement covering a broad range of products and technologies. The deal also includes existing patents and the ones that will be filed over the period of next ten years.
“We’re pleased to enter into this agreement with a leading global technology company like LG. By working together on cross-licenses like this, companies can focus on bringing great products and services to consumers around the world.”
said Allen Lo, deputy general counsel for patents at Google.
The move comes as other companies like Microsoft have been actively courting for royalties with pre-existing patents. Google, after acquiring Motorola’s patents, has been making similar agreements with all its Android partners, hoping to fend off patent trolls and providing protection against litigation. It is notable LG, which is the fourth largest smartphone maker, also produces Android Wear-equipped smartwatches.
“LG values its relationship with Google, and this agreement underscores both companies’ commitment to developing new products and technologies that enhance consumers’ lives,”
said J.H. Lee, executive vice president and head of the LG Electronics Intellectual Property Center.
Earlier in January this year, Google and Samsung signed a 10 year global patent cross-license agreement.