Wi-LAN Inc. and Ricoh Co., Ltd. have reportedly signed a multi-year running royalty license agreement for wireless technologies. Under the agreement, Ricoh will receive access to WiLAN technology for use in WiFi (News - Alert)-enabled products.
A global leader in the technology imaging industry, Ricoh (News - Alert) manufacturers and sells a range of digital imaging products. These include laser printers and digital cameras. Ricoh offers WiFi connectivity in select digital cameras, print servers and throughout its Aficio SP line of digital laser printers. Ricoh is also building a solid presence throughout the world as a provider of comprehensive document solutions that help customers streamline their businesses and cut operating costs.
According to Andrew Parolin, vice president of Wireless Technologies, Ricoh is the third Japanese manufacturer to license its technologies in just over a month. Ricoh reflects the global scale of Wireless Technologies’ licensing efforts. Parolin added that with more than 80 companies licensed to Wireless Technologies’ wireless inventions, the electronics industry has recognized the importance of its technologies.
The specific terms of the agreements are confidential. These license agreements bring the total number of companies that have licensed WiLAN wireless technologies to 84 and the total number of companies that have licensed WiLAN technologies to 211.
Founded in 1992, WiLAN is a technology innovation and licensing company. WiLAN has licensed its intellectual property to more than 210 companies around the world. These include companies that manufacture or sell a range of communication and consumer electronics products including 3G cellular handsets, WiFi-enabled laptops, WiFi/DSL routers, xDSL infrastructure equipment, WiMAX (News - Alert) base stations and V-Chip-enabled digital television receivers.
In 2006, WiLAN started focusing its business on developing, protecting and monetizing patented inventions. The company keeps expanding its portfolio of patented inventions by its internal research and development program as well as technology acquisitions and licensing partnerships. WiLAN’s experienced team of technical, business and legal professionals facilitate licensed use of its intellectual property using a process that begins with detailed research and negotiation.
WiLAN offers reasonable royalty rates that are not burdensome to companies and markets. At the same time, the rates generate a fair return for WiLAN.
Calvin Azuri is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Calvin’s articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by Amy Tierney