Lexmark signs agreement with Microsoft

Office supplies manufacturer Lexmark International has signed a patent cross-licensing agreement with Microsoft.Although the full terms of the agreement have not been revealed, this will allow both companies to enjoy greater mutual access to each other's patent portfolio.
Marty Canning, an official at Lexmark, said this means they will both be able to benefit from shared innovation.

This, he continued, would have a positive impact on purchasers of its office supplies. Mr Canning said: "This agreement will improve the productivity of both our businesses and result in enhanced product offerings and increased satisfaction for all our customers." David Kaefer, general manager of Intellectual Property Licensing at Microsoft, added that it should help to foster collaboration and allow consumers to benefit from a wider range of products. This comes after Lexmark International was handed several industry accolades due to the strong performance of its printers.

Buyers Laboratory Inc, which tests new devices that go on the market, gave the company various gongs on the strength of their product's innovation and performance.