Microsoft has signed an agreement with camera-maker Canon to cross-license several patents. Microsoft says that this agreement will allow for increased innovation, while at the same time preventing patent lawsuits. Microsoft has a fairly long history of IP licensing agreements with other companies, having made 1,100 such deals since 2003.

The patent agreement covers a number of areas. These include patents for digital imaging and mobile, though the exact terms of the deal will not be disclosed, presumably for competitive reasons. For its part, Canon says that this is a "natural extension" of the company's long relationship with Microsoft, with whome they have worked on a number of projects, including color technology.

What do you think of Microsoft's deal with Canon? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Microsoft