LG in decade-long patent deal with Google
Technology company LG Electronics has struck a cross-licensing deal with Google covering all the companies’ existing patents as well as those filed over the next ten years.
According to the companies, the agreement covers “a broad range of products and technologies.”
The announcement today (November 5), in a joint statement, said the deal would build on the “long standing alliance” between the companies.
“We’re pleased to enter into this agreement with a leading global technology company like LG,” said Allen Lo, deputy general counsel for patents at Google.
“By working together on cross-licenses like this, companies can focus on bringing great products and services to consumers around the world,” Lo added.
JH Lee, head of the LG Electronics Intellectual Property Center, said the agreement underscored both companies’ commitment to developing new products and technologies that enhance consumers’ lives.
According to the Global Post news website, the move is seen by analysts as a way to “secure a safety net” against patent infringement lawsuits, especially from Apple and Microsoft, regarding Google's Android operating system.
Earlier this year, LG’s South Korean rival Samsung penned a licensing deal with Google and phone maker Ericsson.
