[News] Nichia and ams OSRAM Sign Broad Patent Cross-License Agreement

Tokushima, Japan and Regensburg, Germany  – Nichia and ams OSRAM have expanded their long-standing collaboration in the field of intellectual property (IP). Hiroyoshi Ogawa, President of Nichia Corporation, and Aldo Kamper, CEO of ams-OSRAM AG, signed a comprehensive cross-license agreement covering thousands of patent-protected innovations in LED and laser technologies. 

The agreement grants both companies mutual access to each other’s patents for nitride LED and laser components and, for the first time, also covers sophisticated LED packages and LED modules, such as matrix headlamps. The move aims to strengthen the industry- leading IP protection both companies offer to their customers.   

Nichia and ams OSRAM have invested heavily in R&D over decades. With the new patent cross license agreement, they offer customers enhanced IP safety when using products based on their patented technologies. Both companies have a long history of cross license agreements, which started in 2002 and continued through today, with an update in 2010. The new agreement covers R&D results from the last 15 years.

“In an industry driven by innovation, intellectual property is the foundation of trust and long-term value. Unfortunately, we continue to see LED and laser products entering the market that do not meet essential IP standards. Together with Nichia, we encourage customers to scrutinize claims of IP compliance and to choose partners holding a unique IP position like ams OSRAM and Nichia”, emphasizes Aldo Kamper, CEO of ams OSRAM. 

“As the two global leaders in the LED and laser industry, Nichia and ams OSRAM have renewed the most comprehensive and robust cross-licensing agreement in the sector. Customers who select products from Nichia or ams OSRAM benefit from extensive patent protection, ensuring confidence in their business activities. Standing together, we will continue to safeguard the market’s integrity by encouraging respect for intellectual property throughout our industry”, says Hiroyoshi Ogawa, President of Nichia.