Blackberry, Cisco sign cross-licensing agreement

Blackberry Limited, a global leader in mobile communications and Cisco, a world leader in IT, have entered into a long-term patent cross-licensing agreement covering their respective products and technologies.

The agreement, whose terms are undisclosed will see BlackBerry receive a license fee from Cisco.

“Our agreement with Cisco underscores the value companies place on BlackBerry’s broad and foundational patent portfolio,” said Dr. Mark Kokes, Vice President of Intellectual Property and Licensing, BlackBerry. “With the agreement in place, BlackBerry and Cisco can focus on innovation and continued technical cooperation, allowing our companies more freedom to create leading products and services for customers without the potential for patent disputes.”

“Cross-licensing is an effective way for technology companies to assure freedom of operation and help remove concerns about patent litigation,” said Dan Lang, Vice President of Intellectual Property, Cisco. “This agreement recognizes Cisco’s patent portfolio, one that is regularly rated among the strongest in the telecommunications and networking industry. We look forward to continuing to innovate to meet the needs of our respective customers.”

BlackBerry and Cisco have a long history of technical cooperation and intend to further collaborate under this agreement.