Microsoft and Toyota Agree to Improve Connected Car Technologies

Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday announced a new patent licensing agreement with Toyota Corp. that includes broad coverage for connected car technologies. The agreement builds on Toyota and Microsoft’s strong partnership, which includes their collaboration on the Azure-based Toyota Big Data Center.

“Microsoft invests $11.4 billion annually in research and development and for more than 30 years has been developing innovative technologies that are powering today’s connected car experiences,” said Erich Andersen, corporate vice president and chief IP counsel of Microsoft’s Intellectual Property Group.

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“Through this patent partnership between Toyota and Microsoft, we will be able to innovate faster to deliver new, contextual and immersive experiences to our customers,” said Tokuhisa Nomura, executive general manager of Toyota’s Advanced R&D and Engineering Company.

According to Microsoft, 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.

Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC was formed in 2014 to acquire, manage and license Microsoft’s patent portfolio.