Osram GmbH and Sharp Corporation enter into a patent cross license agreement
Lighting manufacturer Osram (Munich/Germany) and electronics manufacturer Sharp Corp. (Osaka/Japan) have entered into a comprehensive agreement about the cross licensing of patents.
The agreement comprises patents of both companies’ in the field of opto-electronic semiconductor components as well as in the area of lighting products including such components. It extends from LED chips and laser diode chips through modules to luminaires.
In the past years, Osram has already entered into similar agreements with other big players in this market like Nichia, Philips, Toyoda Gosei, Cree, Samsung and LG. Such agreements mitigate the risk of inadvertently using other companies' patent rights. Therefore, also the customers of Osram’s LED and laser products are protected to a considerable extent from becoming involved in patent disputes about these products.
ABOUT OSRAM
OSRAM of Munich, Germany is one of the two leading light manufacturers in the world. The company's portfolio covers the entire value chain from components – including lamps, opto semiconductors like light-emitting diodes (LED) – to electronic control gears as well as complete luminaires, light management systems and lighting solutions. OSRAM has around 39,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of 5.4 billion Euros in fiscal year 2012 (ended September 30, 2012). More than 70 percent of its revenue comes from energy-efficient products. The company's business activities have been focusing on light – and hence on quality of life – for over 100 years. Additional information can be found in the internet at www.osram-group.com