Microsoft & Pioneer in consumer patent pact

Microsoft and Pioneer have signed a cross-licensing agreement that covers a range of consumer and automotive products, including Microsoft software and Pioneer's TVs and auto navigation units, the companies said.

The agreement gives each company greater access to the other's patent portfolios and expand the relationship between the two companies to incorporate the patented technologies in their respective products.

The companies indicated that Microsoft will be paid a fee by Pioneer, although specific financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Microsoft has entered into similar patent cross-licensing agreements related to auto navigation over the past year with Kenwood and Alpine Electronics, the company said.