Google and LG Electronics have signed an agreement that allows both tech giants to take advantage of each other's patents without legal pursuits.
The mutual understanding ends the possibility of any lawsuits concerning patent infringements. In a brief press release on Wednesday, LG said it had signed a cross-licensing agreement that covered a wide range of products and technologies. As part of the deal, both companies will not be limited to the existing patents, but also future patents until 2023.
The 10-year cross-licensing agreement opens gates to Google's software patents such as data processing and information security and LG's exclusive rights over hardware devices, including the popular G series. This deal ensures growth and development of products and services for customers and serves as a barrier against patent infringement lawsuits.
Major tech companies like Apple, Samsung, Microsoft and others have constantly fought patent wars in different parts of the world. Apple and Samsung are the two largest tech companies to be embroiled in patent disputes for several years and have dragged each other to court with extreme allegations. Apple was able to secure a larger compensation than Samsung. Both companies have dropped their legal differences around the world, except in the U.S., where the patent war continues in full rage.
The deal between Google and LG shows a stronger commitment from both companies to continue their partnership. LG plays an important role in the history of Nexus device line by Google. The Nexus 4 in 2012 and the Nexus 5 smartphone in 2013 were made by the Korean tech giant and all of LG's G series smartphones run Google's Android OS and the G Watch R uses the Android Wear OS.
"LG values its relationship with Google, and this agreement underscores both companies' commitment to developing new products and technologies that enhance consumers' lives," J.H. Lee, executive vice president and head of the LG Electronics Intellectual Property Center, said in the press release.
Google's deputy general counsel for patents, Allen Lo, expressed the company's excitement at partnering with LG. "We're pleased to enter into this agreement with a leading global technology company like LG," Lo said. "By working together on cross-licenses like this, companies can focus on bringing great products and services to consumers around the world."
