I-O Data And Microsoft Enter Software Patent Agreement

Kanazawa, Japan-headquartered I-O Data Device Inc has entered into a software patent agreement with Microsoft. The agreement pertains to the products installed by I-O Data on its various network-attached storage devices and routers that run Linux and other related open source software. Microsoft is being compensated by I-O Data for this agreement.

The two companies have been closely collaborating in the consumer and enterprise markets for quite some time now. I-O Data has developed a set of API-based sensors for the Windows 7 operating system; these sensors are capable of detecting movement of individuals across rooms.

For Microsoft, this patent agreement is the latest in a string of such agreements that the company has entered into since December 2003, as part of its IP licensing program. These agreements enable stakeholders such as customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio, legally. Some of the other companies that have similarly entered into agreements with Microsoft are LG Electronics, Kyocera Mita Corp, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Brother International Corp, Fuji Xerox Co Ltd and TomTom International BV.

Founded in 1976, I-O Data is in the business of designing and manufacturing computer peripherals and interface products.

Read more about the latest software patent agreement entered into by Microsoft, here.