REDMOND, Wash., and TOKYO — April 3, 2017 —
On Monday, Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC and Casio Computer Co.
Ltd. announced a new patent licensing agreement that includes broad
coverage for smartwatch technologies. Casio’s smartwatches, which
include Casio’s WSD-F10 and WSD-F20 Smart Outdoor Watch, enable modern
personal connectivity, while also coming equipped with many sensors that
support a complement of outdoor features such as activity monitoring,
and altimeter, barometer and compass readings.
“Casio’s smartwatches combined with Microsoft’s technology will help
customers all over the world achieve more from their wearables,” said
Micky Minhas, head of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC. “This is an
outstanding partnership that builds on Microsoft’s heritage of
innovation in the technology powering personal wearables to boost
Casio’s best-in-class products in this space.”
“Casio is committed to creating innovative products for all our
customers, and this partnership builds on our longstanding relationship
with Microsoft that’s covered products and solutions ranging from
industrial handheld terminals to business information systems,” said
Hiroshi Okumura, general manager of Intellectual Property & Legal
Department of Casio.
Microsoft’s commitment to licensing IP
The patent agreement is another example of the important role
intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant
technology ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program
in December 2003, it has entered into more than 1,200 licensing
agreements. More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is
available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.
About Casio Computer Co. Ltd.
Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers
of consumer electronics products and business equipment solutions. Since
its establishment in 1957, Casio has strived to realize its corporate
creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of
innovative and imaginative products. News and product information from
Casio is available at http://world.casio.com/.
About Microsoft Technology Licensing
Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC was formed in 2014 to acquire, manage and license Microsoft’s patent portfolio.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) is the leading platform and
productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its
mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet
to achieve more.