BlackBerry signs patent deals with Canon and IGT over power charging technology
BlackBerry signed a pair of patent agreements on Friday with Canon and IGT (formerly International Game Technology). Both agreements cover the use of certain power charging technology owned by BlackBerry. While the deal with Canon involves the purchase of a license from BlackBerry, the IGT transaction includes royalties that will be paid to the software and smartphone producer.
In press releases issued on Friday, BlackBerry said that agreements with Canon and IGT had initially been reached in November 2015. In the release relating to the IGT deal, the gaming company says that the patent will allow them to offer game players a way to charge their mobile devices while playing a video game.
The terms of both deals are confidential. For BlackBerry, this is a way for the company to take advantage of its substantial IP portfolio. BlackBerry said that it plans on collaborating with Canon again in the future.
"Our agreement with Canon substantiates the value companies place on BlackBerry's innovative and foundational power charging patents for mobile and consumer electronic devices. With the agreement in place, Canon can continue to incorporate convenient charging solutions in its exciting new products."-Dr. Mark Kokes, Vice President of Intellectual Property and Licensing, BlackBerry
"At IGT, enhanced ergonomics and player-focused amenities are integral to our cabinet design strategy. The addition of convenient charging capability to the IGT CrystalCore, CrystalDual, and S3000 cabinets provides our customers with another feature that enables players to spend time enjoying their favorite games while conveniently charging a phone or mobile device. This is a great example of innovation driven by customer feedback, and we're pleased to deliver convenient power charging with a variety of games from our Core and Premium product lines."-Victor Duarte, Global Chief Product Officer, IGT
"At IGT, enhanced ergonomics and player-focused amenities are integral to our cabinet design strategy. The addition of convenient charging capability to the IGT CrystalCore, CrystalDual, and S3000 cabinets provides our customers with another feature that enables players to spend time enjoying their favorite games while conveniently charging a phone or mobile device. This is a great example of innovation driven by customer feedback, and we're pleased to deliver convenient power charging with a variety of games from our Core and Premium product lines."-Victor Duarte, Global Chief Product Officer, IGT
The terms of both deals are confidential. For BlackBerry, this is a way for the company to take advantage of its substantial IP portfolio. BlackBerry said that it plans on collaborating with Canon again in the future.
source: Crackberry (1), (2)
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