RIM Agrees to License 4G Patents from InterDigital

By: Umair Yousuf  |   January 8th, 2013   |   News, O Canada, Smartphones, Tablets

Research in Motion, the Canadian firm behind the popular Blackberry line of smartphones, is readying itself for the launch of a new line of devices running on the Blackberry 10 operating system and the company is seemingly does not want patent litigation distracting it from the major launch.

 

The new line of smartphones is according to many analysts RIM’s last roll of the dice to regain lost glory and the company is removing all distractions ahead of the big date when its new operating system as well as two brand new smartphones will be revealed to an anticipating public.

 

As part of its efforts, RIM has taken to licensing over costly patent litigation and the company recently unveiled an agreement with InterDigital, a wireless research and development company. The new agreement provides RIM with an expanded license adding coverage for 4G products including both LTE-Advanced and LTE products.

 

The deal has been signed between RIM and InterDigital’s patent holding subsidiaries with the deal extended for multiple years.

 

Lawrence F. Shay, president of InterDigital’s patent holding subsidiaries commenting on the agreement said:

 

“This agreement, which extends the term of our patent license with RIM and includes 4G product coverage, continues thestrong validation of InterDigital’s patent portfolio and our patent licensing program.”

 

RIM’s latest deal showcases its strategy of avoiding patent litigation. The Canadian firm recently agreed with rival Nokia to license its patents which allowed both parties to withdraw all ongoing patent lawsuits.

 

InterDigital has patent licensing agreements with other major technology firms as well including Intel with which it concluded a $ 375 million deal, while the company has reached a similar deal like RIM with Sony.

 

Source: TNW