Micron Technology and Intellectual Ventures (IV) have entered into an intellectual property (IP) license agreement, according to the companies. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.
The agreement provides Micron with access to IV's patent portfolio, and also allows both companies to have the option to buy patents from each other. Micron can acquire patents from IV to help defend against companies that may assert patents against them, while IV has the opportunity to acquire patents from Micron to expand and supplement its growing portfolio of IP assets.
One of IV's goals is to help companies of all sizes gain more efficient access to inventions and patents, according to Joe Chernesky, the company's VP and GM of global licensing sales. While working with customers including Micron, IV has positioned itself as a strategic partner for present and future IP needs.
IV announced its relationship with Samsung Electronics in late 2010. Chernesky said that IV also has several other clients in the memory industry but out of respect for its customers who have not been announced publicly, specific numbers or names are not available to be shared with.
Micron has nearly 20,000 patents and consistently ranks in the top 20 for patent filings in the US, Chernesky noted. "Their deep understanding of the value of IP makes them an ideal customer for us, and we look forward to a collaborative partnership that will ideally extend beyond a traditional licensing agreement."
IV actively acquire patents that will strengthen its portfolio and benefit its current and future customers, Chernesky indicated. "While we can't discuss specific technology areas, Micron is a highly inventive company and we're interested in the opportunity to acquire patents from them," Chernesky said.
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