Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. has acquired patents related to flat panel production from NEC Corp.

Central News Agency (CNA) reported that Hon Hai Precision files an announcement to the Taiwan Stock Exchange last Friday, saying that through its subsidiary, Gold Charm Ltd., the company is spending 9.45 billion Japanese yen (US$122 million) to acquire the patents from NEC.

The Taiwanese manufacturer said the patent acquisition aims to enrich its flat panel patent portfolio and strengthen its capability in research and development of advanced technology in that particular area.

Hon Hai Precision is obviously eyeing touch panel technology owned by NEC.

Hon Hai Precision Chairman Terry Gou has also acquired a 46.5 percent stake Sharp's 10th generation flat screen plant, located in western Japan.

Hon Hai Precision had also signed an agreement in March to buy a 10 percent stake in Sharp. However, the two companies have not yet reached an agreement as they renegotiate the terms of the deal.