Cree strikes a patent cross-license agreement with Epistar Corp., a large LED manufacturer in Taiwan. As part of the deal, Cree will receive a licensing fee and royalty payments.
There is no technology transfer involved in the deal, according to Cree (Nasdaq: CREE).
Epistar is the largest manufacturer of LEDs in Taiwan. The firm launched in 1996.
“Cree’s pioneering technology and resulting broad patent portfolio has significantly advanced performance in LED and LED Lighting products. Cree is pleased to enter into this LED chip license agreement with Epistar, a leading chip innovator and manufacturer of LEDs used by packagers and lighting companies,” said Chuck Swoboda, Cree Chairman and CEO, in a statement.
“This agreement underscores both companies’ commitment to accelerating the adoption of LED lighting while respecting the value and importance of international intellectual property laws.”
Added BJ Lee, chair of Epistar:
“The patent license agreement we have achieved will help us to accelerate the R&D activities for creating new innovation. In addition, it is a clear indication of the strength of our LED chip patent portfolio and our desire to further the growth of the LED lighting market. By entering into this cross-license agreement with Cree, Epistar is able to provide LED chips that ultimately benefit our customers across the world.”
