Google And Samsung Global Patent Licensing Deal To Foster Closer Research Collaboration

Finally! That's an oft overused term in the technology space, but this time, we mean it. With patent wars thwarting innovation left and right over the past few years, it's a huge relief to see two major companies shaking hands and agreeing to move ahead and look beyond the legal aspects. Apple and Samsung probably still have some ways to go, but Samsung and Google have signed a long-term partnership that includes a global patent cross-license agreement. The deal includes "a broad range of technologies and business areas," with each company dubbing is "mutually beneficial."


The agreement covers both firms' existing patents, as well as new ones filed over the next 10 years. " "We’re pleased to enter into a cross-license with our partner Samsung,” said 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.”

It's a monumental step forward in the troubling patent wars, and moreover, if two giants this big can come to terms, there should be little stopping the rest of the industry from following suit. Er, not lawsuit, of course.