Olio Devices, the company behind the Olio Model One smartwatch, and Microsoft yesterday announced a patent licensing agreement. The terse announcement explains that it covers wearable devices but provides no specific details.
Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing, said, “Mutually beneficial and collaborative patent licensing agreements like this one promote innovation and lead to better products and experiences for consumers.”
With few details to go on, it’s not clear if Olio entered into the agreement to enable it to use some of Microsoft’s technologies in future versions of its smartwatches or proprietary Linux-based operating system.
Olio’s website lists a number of application sources used for its Android and iOS apps. Perhaps Microsoft’s name will appear there soon.
The Olio Model One line of smartwatches blends the craftsmanship and materials typically found in high-end Swiss watches with smartwatch functionality. Prices start just shy of US$600 (about CA$850).
REDMOND, Wash., and SAN FRANCISCO — Jan. 25, 2016 — On Monday, Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC and Olio Devices Inc. signed a patent licensing agreement covering wearable devices.
Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing, said, “Mutually beneficial and collaborative patent licensing agreements like this one promote innovation and lead to better products and experiences for consumers.”
Microsoft’s commitment to licensing IP
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. More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available a thttp://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.
About Olio Devices Inc.
Co-founded by Steven Jacobs, Evan Wilson, and AJ Cooper, Olio aims to empower the classic wristwatch with custom technology designed by Olio to help simplify and manage our everyday lives. The company combines high-end materials with proprietary hardware and software to create finely crafted connected timepieces for the busy modern lifestyle. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. To learn more visit: http://www.oliodevices.com or follow @oliodevices on Twitter.
About Microsoft Technology Licensing
Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC was formed in 2014 to acquire, manage and license Microsoft’s patent portfolio.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://news.microsoft.com. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-public-relations-contacts.
Source : Microsoft