Microsoft and Victor Company of Japan Ltd. (JVC) have signed a patent cross-licensing agreement.

The agreement, recently signed by representatives of both companies, expands the relationship between JVC and Microsoft to promote the exchange of valuable information and the incorporation of patented technologies in their respective products. The agreement covers a broad range of consumer products each company manufactures and sells. Although the contents of the agreement, including the specific financial terms, are confidential, the parties indicated that Microsoft is being compensated by JVC.

"We are proud of the quality of our broad, global patent portfolio, and we look forward to continuing to work with JVC and other industry leaders to develop new and exciting technologies through our collaborative licensing program," said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft.

"This agreement strengthens the long-standing collaborative relationship between the two companies," said Tetsuro Fuse, associate director and general manager of intellectual property at JVC.