Google has announced a new patent sharing agreement with several top Android makers. Currently called PAX, the agreement will see all of the signatories sharing their patent libraries; without demanding royalties from each other.
At the moment, the group is comprised of Google, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Foxconn Technology Group, HMD Global, HTC, Coolpad, BQ, and Allview. The number is expected to grow as PAX is an open group with no membership fees. Just the pledge to innovate technology on a level playing field. Without having to worry about patents and licensing fees.
According to Google, the group is meant to ensure “that innovation and consumer choice—not patent threats—will continue to be key drivers of our Android ecosystem.”
Patent lawsuits are a big deal within the tech industry, with companies constantly suing each other in an attempt to enforce their patent claims. US patent law is also often abused by companies in positions of power to stifle competition; or by patent trolls to make a profit.
Interestingly, the official name of the partnership is Android Networked Cross-License Agreement. Google is just calling it PAX as a nicer name; and to use the latin word for ‘peace’. Admittedly, it almost feels like the company is trying to invoke a Pax Romana for the technology industry with this move.
[Source: Google Blog]
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