Apple and Microsoft, two tech giants, announced on August 5, 2020, their cross-license agreement. This agreement allows either company to use the other`s patented technology. This announcement comes as a surprise since both companies are known for their fierce competition.
The cross-license agreement between Apple and Microsoft is not new. The two companies first entered into such an agreement in 1997, when Apple was struggling to survive. The agreement allowed Microsoft to invest $150 million in Apple in exchange for non-voting shares, and Apple agreed to use Microsoft`s Internet Explorer as the default browser on its computers. This agreement helped Apple survive and paved the way for the company`s future successes.
Since then, both companies have grown to become dominant players in the tech industry. Apple is known for its iPhones, iPads, and Macs, while Microsoft is known for its Windows operating system and Office Suite. Despite their competition, the two companies have maintained a working relationship.
The 2020 agreement involves Apple licensing to Microsoft its patents related to wireless communication, while Microsoft will license to Apple its patents related to video codecs. This agreement will allow both companies to use each other`s patented technology in their products.
This cross-license agreement between Apple and Microsoft is significant. Both companies are leaders in the technology industry and have been involved in patent disputes in the past. This agreement will benefit consumers by allowing both companies to use each other`s patented technology and improve their products.
Another advantage of this agreement is that it shows that even in the competitive tech industry, cooperation is possible. Companies can work together to create better products and improve the industry as a whole.
In conclusion, the cross-license agreement between Apple and Microsoft is a significant development in the tech industry. It shows that cooperation is possible, even among fierce competitors. This agreement will benefit consumers by allowing both companies to use each other`s patented technology and improve their products.