Microsoft signs car patent licence agreement with Toyota

Microsoft has entered a patent licence agreement with car manufacturer Toyota focusing on broad coverage for connected car technologies.

A connected car is one that is equipped with internet access.

The agreement builds on Toyota’s and Microsoft’s partnership which includes their collaboration on the Toyota Connected, the car maker’s data science hub.

Microsoft Azure, the company’s cloud computing platform, provides a “hybrid solution” for the hub.

Erich Andersen, corporate vice president and chief IP counsel of Microsoft’s IP group, explained that Microsoft invests $11.4 billion annually in research and development (R&D).

“When you look across telematics, infotainment, safety and other systems in today’s connected cars, you find Microsoft technologies and innovation,” said Andersen.

He added that although Microsoft doesn’t make cars, the company is working closely with today’s car companies to help them meet customer demands.

Tokuhisa Nomura, executive general manager of Toyota’s Advanced R&D and Engineering Company, said: “This is an exciting time in the industry, and we believe that to create the best, most immersive connected car experiences, automotive makers should partner with technology leaders like Microsoft.”

According to Nomura, through the patent partnership Toyota will be able innovate faster to deliver “new, contextual and immersive experiences” to its customers.

Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing programme in December 2003, it has entered into more than 1,200 licensing agreements.

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