Leica Camera AG has licensed a patent portfolio of Intellectual Ventures™ (IV) to strengthen the existing intellectual property (IP) strategy and position of Leica Camera.The agreement provides the Wetzlar based manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products with a license to IV’s patent portfolio of nearly 40,000 IP assets in more than 50 technology areas, including digital imaging. Leica is also now a subscriber to IV’s IP-for-Defense™ program, a strategic defense tool for companies faced with the threat of patent litigation. Under this agreement, Leica can access patents from IV’s growing portfolio on an as-needed basis to protect its business.
“As one of the world’s most visible camera makers, we’ve long recognized the value of inventions that catalyze continued innovation and the ability to bring new products to market, said Alfred Schopf, CEO of Leica Camera AG. “IV is a key partner in helping us secure access to cutting-edge technologies and product innovations.”
The Leica Camera brand has a famous track record of innovation that dates back to the invention of the world’s first successful 35mm-format camera 100 years ago – the “Ur Leica” – heralded as the single most influential and imitated camera. Leica continues that visionary thinking today, regularly delivering new and innovative technologies to enable customers to take brilliant pictures in all situations, in the worlds of visualization and perception.
“Leica is the latest in a series of industry-leading brands to partner with IV to further their IP strategy,” said Cory Van Arsdale, senior vice president of Global Licensing at IV. “This relationship is yet another example of IV’s unique ability to provide companies such as Leica access to the innovations that will help them best meet their strategic business goals.”