Microsoft and HOYA Enter Into Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement Covering Digital Cameras and Other Consumer Products

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The agreement covers digital cameras made by PENTAX as well as a broad range of other consumer products each company manufactures and sells. Although the contents of the agreement, including the specific financial terms, have not been disclosed, the parties indicated that Microsoft is being compensated by PENTAX.

"When technological industry leaders collaborate through intellectual property licensing, we foster greater innovation that will benefit the customer, the consumer and the overall IT ecosystem," said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft. "We are proud of the quality of our broad, global patent portfolio, and we are pleased that another consumer products company has recognized the value of our worldwide patent portfolio."

"We believe that this contract will further solidify the alliance between the two companies," said Ko Torigoe, general manager of HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division. "We also expect that it will bring considerable benefits to consumers in the near future, as we should be able to shorten the time required for product development because of technological advancement by both companies, and therefore deliver higher-quality products to the market."

Microsoft's Commitment to Licensing Technology

The licensing agreement is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 500 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft's significant research and development investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio. Over the past two years, Microsoft has entered into similar agreements with Alpine Electronics Inc., Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd., Kenwood Corp., Kyocera Mita Corp., LG Electronics, NEC Corp., Nortel Networks, Novell Inc., Olympus Corp., Onkyo Corp., Samsung Electronics America Inc., Seiko Epson Corp. and Victor Company of Japan Ltd.

More information about Microsoft's licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/ip.

About HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division

HOYA CORPORATION (TSE 7741) is a global technology company based inTokyo, Japan, and the leading supplier of innovative and indispensable high-tech products and services based upon its advanced optics technologies. HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division which has given birth to a multitude of inventions with unique development concept and technological capabilities honed over decades, now produces SLR/compact digital cameras and interchangeable lenses as well as astronomical telescopes and binoculars. HOYA now has over 100 subsidiaries and affiliates, and employs approximately 35,000 people worldwide.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

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