WATERLOO, ON – BlackBerry and Cisco have struck a long-term patent cross-licensing agreement covering their respective products and technologies.
Specific terms of the deal are confidential, though BlackBerry did confirm that it will receive a license fee from Cisco as part of the agreement. The companies added that they have a long history of technical cooperation and intend to further collaborate under this agreement.
"Our agreement with Cisco underscores the value companies place on BlackBerry's broad and foundational patent portfolio," said Dr. Mark Kokes, BlackBerry’s VP of intellectual property and licensing, in Tuesday’s announcement. "With the agreement in place, BlackBerry and Cisco can focus on innovation and continued technical cooperation, allowing our companies more freedom to create leading products and services for customers without the potential for patent disputes."
"Cross-licensing is an effective way for technology companies to assure freedom of operation and help remove concerns about patent litigation," added Cisco’s VP of intellectual property Dan Lang. "This agreement recognizes Cisco's patent portfolio, one that is regularly rated among the strongest in the telecommunications and networking industry. We look forward to continuing to innovate to meet the needs of our respective customers."
