Thomson Signs DVD Player Licensing Deal With China

Jan. 13, 2005
By Agence France-Presse French consumer-electronics group Thomson said March 8 that it has signed an accord with the two principal bodies representing Chinese makers of DVD players, defining the conditions under which they can use patents held by ...
By Agence France-Presse French consumer-electronics group Thomson said March 8 that it has signed an accord with the two principal bodies representing Chinese makers of DVD players, defining the conditions under which they can use patents held by Thomson. "This agreement will further strengthen Thomson's licensing business, which was already a significant contributor to revenues in 2003," the company said in a statement. The agreement applies to DVD players supplied both within China and as exports. It was signed with the CAIA audio industry association, which is linked to the Ministry of Information and Industry, and the CCCME chamber of commerce for electrical equipment, which is allied with the Ministry of Trade. Under the agreement, all members of the CAIA are now allowed to begin using Thomson's DVD patents over the course of the next few months. That will mean over 60 companies will have access to the patents, subject to royalty payments, Thomson said. Chinese companies manufacture more than half of all DVD players worldwide, while Thomson was a founding member of the consortium that developed DVD technology. The French company is also preparing to launch a new research center in China, it said. Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2004

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Why DataOps may be the key to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation

Nov. 3, 2023
Read the 2023 market survey conducted by IndustryWeek

Lean Manufacturing in the Age of the Industrial Internet

Oct. 24, 2023
Read how advanced MES capabilities can help you improve your labor utilization, reduce WIP, and optimize your production. Download the white paper today.

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

How Digital Twin Technology is Empowering Manufacturers

Sept. 27, 2023
This FAQ delves into why this technology offers business value and considerations toward implementation.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!