BlackBerry in patent licensing deal with Teletry
Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry has entered into a patent licensing deal with Teletry, a month after the departure of one of BlackBerry’s patent licensing directors.
As part of the agreement, which was announced yesterday, November 15, Teletry will have the right to sublicense a range of BlackBerry patents to smartphone manufacturers.
Teletry is part of the Marconi Group, a company that was launched in February this year to create joint licensing platforms.
BlackBerry will retain ownership of approximately 40,000 patents and applications, which cover networking infrastructure, messaging, enterprise software and cybersecurity, while continuing operate its own licensing programme.
Kasim Alfalahi, on behalf of Teletry, said: “We are pleased to be working with one of the pioneers of the modern smartphone who created one of the most valuable patent portfolios in the industry.
“Through our new licensing programme, Teletry looks forward to working with global smartphone manufacturers to license these innovative technology assets.”
In October, WIPR reported that Victor Schubert, a patent licensing director who was tasked with monetising Blackberry’s IP, had left the company.
Schubert’s exit followed the departure of Mark Kokes, who led the company’s overall patent strategy. He joined a health technology company last month.
The departures followed recent stories of success for BlackBerry’s licensing efforts—as Blackberry confirmed it had agreed a licensing deal with Android handset maker Blu Products.
The deal settled a year of litigation between the two parties.
Did you enjoy reading this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.
Today’s top stories:
Federal Circuit confirms TC Heartland changed the law
Fujifilm and Polaroid begin litigation over photo borders
Simone Intellectual Property Services opens Beijing office
