Samsung, Google sign global patent license deal 

Samsung said in a statement that this paves the way for deeper collaboration on research and development of current and future products and technologies.

“We’re pleased to enter into a cross-license with our partner Samsung,” commented Allen Lo, deputy general counsel for Patents at Google. “By working together on agreements like this, companies can reduce the potential for litigation and focus instead on innovation.”

With the agreement, Samsung and Google gain access to each other’s patent portfolios. According to Samsung, the cross-licensing deal covers ‘a broad range of technologies and business areas.’ The companies have yet to provide further details on what exactly will be covered. They did however stress that companies can work together to avoid ‘unnecessary patent disputes.’ A statement that hints at Samsung’s ongoing patent battles with Apple.

“This agreement with Google is highly significant for the technology industry,” said Dr. Seungho Ahn, head of Samsung’s Intellectual Property Center. “Samsung and Google are showing the rest of the industry that there is more to gain from cooperating than engaging in unnecessary patent disputes.”

Time will tell if this deal will help protect Google and Samsung from future litigation.