Microsoft and Kenwood Corp. have signed a patent cross-license agreement to promote the exchange of information and the incorporation of patented technologies in car navigation systems and other consumer electronics products. The firms did not disclose the amount of cash that Kenwood is paying to license Microsoft patents.

"This agreement is an example of how industry leaders can use intellectual property licensing as a means of collaboration to foster innovation that will benefit the customer, consumer and the overall IT ecosystem," said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft.
Added Kazuo Ishiguro, vice president of Intellectual Property at Kenwood, "We expect this will accelerate product development by sharing the technologies that Microsoft and Kenwood have developed. It also provides an environment for our customers to utilize the products and services provided by both companies."