Ams Osram and Nichia sign broad IP agreement
Ams Osram and Nichia have expanded their long-standing IP collaboration with comprehensive cross-license agreement covering thousands of patent-protected innovations in LED and laser technologies.
The agreement, signed by Aldo Kamper, CEO of Ams Osram, and Hiroyoshi Ogawa, president of Nichia, grants both companies mutual access to each other’s patents for nitride LED and laser components. And, for the first time, also covers sophisticated LED packages and LED modules, such as matrix headlamps. The move aims to strengthen the IP protection both companies offer to their customers.
Ams Osram and Nichia have invested heavily in R&D over decades. They say that with the new patent cross-license agreement, customers will gain enhanced IP safety when using products based on their patented technologies. Both companies have a long history of cross-license agreements, which started in 2002 and continued through today, with an update in 2010. The new agreement covers R&D results from the last 15 years.
“In an industry driven by innovation, intellectual property is the foundation of trust and long-term value. Unfortunately, we continue to see LED and laser products entering the market that do not meet essential IP standards. Together with Nichia, we encourage customers to scrutinise claims of IP compliance and to choose partners holding a unique IP position like Ams Osram and Nichia”, said Kamper.
“As the two global leaders in the LED and laser industry, Nichia and Ams Osram have renewed the most comprehensive and robust cross-licensing agreement in the sector. Customers who select products from Nichia or Ams Osram benefit from extensive patent protection, ensuring confidence in their business activities. Standing together, we will continue to safeguard the market’s integrity by encouraging respect for intellectual property throughout our industry”, said Ogawa.
