The agreement grants both companies mutual access to each other's patents for LED components and nitride lasers and, for the first time, also covers sophisticated LED packages and LED modules, such as matrix headlights. The measure aims to strengthen intellectual property protection in the sector that both companies offer to their customers.
ams OSRAM and Nichia have made significant investments in R&D for decades. With the new cross-patent licensing agreement, they offer customers greater intellectual property security when using products based on their patented technologies. Both companies have a long history of cross-licensing agreements, which began in 2002 and has continued to this day, with an update in 2010. The new agreement covers R&D results from the last 15 years.
“In an innovation-driven sector, intellectual property is the foundation of trust and long-term value. Unfortunately, we continue to see LED and laser products reaching the market that do not comply with essential intellectual property standards. Together with Nichia, we encourage customers to thoroughly examine intellectual property compliance declarations and choose partners who are uniquely positioned in intellectual property matters, such as ams OSRAM and Nichia,” emphasizes Aldo Kamper, CEO of ams OSRAM.
“As global leaders in the LED and laser industry, Nichia and ams OSRAM have renewed the most comprehensive and robust cross-licensing agreement in the sector. Customers who choose Nichia or ams OSRAM products benefit from extensive patent protection, ensuring confidence in their business activities. Together, we will continue to safeguard market integrity by promoting respect for intellectual property throughout our industry,” said Hiroyoshi Ogawa, President of Nichia.
