Hi-fi maker swaps patents with Microsoft

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 25 March 2008 05:45

IT Industry - Strategy

Audio maker Onkyo and Microsoft have signed a patent cross-licencing agreement.

According to a statement issued by the two companies, the deal "covers a broad range of consumer products". Onkyo produces a range of AV equipment including receivers and speakers, and since its acquisition of Sotec in 2007 has offered a range of PCs with high-quality audio facilities.

Under the agreement, a cash adjustment is flowing in Microsoft's direction.

Onkyo has also joined the Windows Rally program (previously known as Windows Connect Now), which is intended to make it easier to create networkable devices that can connect to PCs.

"We're very excited about this new collaboration with Microsoft," said Nobuaki Okuda, executive officer of business development at Onkyo.

"We think a mix of technology, communication and entertainment enables greater technology solutions."