Just prior to Twitter’s IPO last year, IBM popped up claiming that the micro-blogging service infringed on several of its patents. From the start, IBM was hoping to “negotiate a business resolution of the allegations” and it looks as though those plans have come to fruition.
IBM has announced, through a press release, that Twitter has acquired 900 of the company’s patents while entertain into a cross-licensing deal that should keep everything nice and peaceful between the two outfits.
Both Twitter and IBM commented in the statement. Twitter’s legal director Ben Lee said “This acquisition of patents from IBM and licensing agreement provides us with greater intellectual property protection and gives us freedom of action to innovate on behalf of all those who use our service.”
IBM’s General Manager of Intellectual Property said Ken King said “We are pleased to reach this agreement with Twitter because it illustrates the value of patented IBM inventions and demonstrates our commitment to licensing access to our broad patent portfolio. We look forward to a productive relationship with Twitter in the future.”
Just what the new licensing and purchase has cost Twitter was not discloses but chances are that it was far less expensive than attempting to settle IBM’s claims in court. Friendlier too.
Source: Engadget