Nikon snaps patent deal with Microsoft

Camera company Nikon has become the latest to sign a cross-licensing deal with Microsoft.

The two parties did not disclose specifics of the deal, but Microsoft said that it will be receiving payment from Nikon and that the deal will be related to its digital imaging software.

The companies have in the past worked together on several projects, including RAW image processing and wireless connection tools for cameras.

"This agreement will extend and enhance our already successful, long-standing collaboration with Nikon, and will allow us to provide even better products to our customers," said Josh Weisberg, director of Microsoft's rich media group.

The deal is the latest in an ongoing effort by Microsoft to generate revenue from its Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio. The company said that it has signed similar deals with Samsung, Olympus, and Fuji Xerox.

"This agreement is another great example of how industry leaders are coming together to collaborate through intellectual property licensing, and by doing so enabling innovation that will ultimately benefit the consumer," boasted Microsoft vice president of intellectual property and licensing Horacio Gutierrez.

"We are proud of the quality of our broad, global patent portfolio, and we are pleased to be working with an industry leader such as Nikon."

Word of the Nikon deal comes shortly after Microsoft renewed perhaps its most famous IP-sharing deal, the $340 million licensing pact with Linux vendor Novell.