I-O DATA signs updated patent agreement with Microsoft

ISHIKAWA, Japan, and REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 29, 2015 — On Tuesday, I-O DATA DEVICE INC. and Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC announced a patent agreement that continues I-O DATA’s coverage for its Linux devices, as well as coverage for its Android-based devices, under Microsoft’s patent portfolio.

“I-O DATA has a rich history of advanced research and development that has brought innovative technologies to market. Today’s agreement with Microsoft is built upon that respect for patented innovation and ensures that our customers will continue to benefit from advanced technologies with appropriate patent protections,” said Tomomi Tsuchida, executive officer and general manager of the Planning and Development Department of I-O DATA DEVICE.

“The agreement with I-O DATA is just the latest in a series of agreements where existing licensees have renewed and expanded their patent coverage with Microsoft,” said Nick Psyhogeos, vice president and executive director of Microsoft Technology Licensing. “Our ongoing partnerships forged by patent agreements demonstrate that patent licensing is a remarkably efficient way for companies to mutually benefit from technologies and provide enhanced innovations for consumers.”

This agreement includes I-O DATA network-attached storage devices and routers, as well as tablets. The terms of the agreement are confidential.

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 I-O DATA DEVICE INC.

Founded in 1976, I-O DATA DEVICE INC., based in Kanazawa, Japan, is a leading provider of peripheral devices for personal computers and digital consumer electronics. For more information about I-O DATA DEVICE and its products, please visit http://www.iodata.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.



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