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Nichia and ams OSRAM sign comprehensive patent cross-license for LED and laser technologies.
In a significant move for the LED and laser industry, Nichia Corporation and ams OSRAM have announced the signing of a broad patent cross-license agreement. The agreement, which covers thousands of innovations, marks the latest chapter in the companies’ longstanding collaboration on intellectual property and innovation.
The agreement, signed by Hiroyoshi Ogawa, President of Nichia Corporation, and Aldo Kamper, CEO of ams-OSRAM AG, provides mutual access to each other’s patents for nitride LED and laser components. For the first time, the cross-license also includes advanced LED packages and modules, such as matrix headlamps. This development underscores the companies’ commitment to enhancing intellectual property (IP) protection for their customers.
Both Nichia and ams OSRAM have heavily invested in research and development over the decades. The updated agreement extends to the R&D results accumulated over the past 15 years, further strengthening their shared position as global leaders in the LED and laser industries.
The partnership between Nichia and ams OSRAM emphasizes the importance of safeguarding intellectual property in an innovation-driven market. "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", said Aldo Kamper, CEO of ams OSRAM.
Hiroyoshi Ogawa, President of Nichia, echoed this sentiment, stating, "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."
The partnership between Nichia and ams OSRAM dates back more than 20 years, with previous cross-license agreements established in 2002 and updated in 2010. Over time, both companies have built a reputation as innovators in the field, contributing breakthrough technologies and products to the market. The latest agreement reflects their shared commitment to remaining at the forefront of LED and laser technology while maintaining the integrity of IP in the industry.
Nichia, founded in 1956 as a specialty chemical producer, is the technology leader and world’s largest LED and laser diode manufacturer. Known for its pioneering work in luminescent materials and nitride-based LEDs, Nichia’s motto, "Ever Researching for a Brighter World", highlights its focus on energy-efficient innovations.
ams OSRAM, with over 110 years of experience, is a global leader in light and sensor solutions. Headquartered in Premstaetten/Graz, Austria, with co-headquarters in Munich, Germany, the company combines engineering excellence with cutting-edge innovation. Its portfolio includes over 13,000 patents and a wide range of technologies that push the boundaries of illumination, visualization, and sensing.
Together, Nichia and ams OSRAM continue to shape the future of the LED and laser industries, ensuring their customers benefit from unparalleled innovation and IP protection.
