Microsoft inks patent deal with LCD builder

Microsoft hopes to put more computing features in LCD screens and TV sets

Microsoft has agreed to a patent sharing deal with LCD screen specialist Funai, under which the software giant will cross license its own patents with Funai's, particularly those covering LCDs and audio/visual components.

Funai will also be given a licence to use the Microsoft Extended File Allocation Table system, and will make a cash payment to Microsoft.

The two sides hope that the deal will help further the implementation of computing features in LCD screens and TV sets. Funai produces sets for sale under the Philips, Magnavox and Sylvania brands.

"A patent licence like this allows two industry leaders to deliver the type of cutting edge innovations that today's consumers demand," said David Kaefer, general manager of intellectual property licensing at Microsoft.

"Consumers want TVs to offer experiences that were once available primarily on personal computers."

Microsoft has a long history of signing high-profile patent sharing deals. The company's landmark 2006 deal with Novell sent shockwaves through the open source industry, and the firm has signed similar deals with Brother, Kyocera and Nikon.