MikeB
Frequent Visitor
Joined: 20/08/2002 11:51:57
Posts: 3859
Location: Essex, UK
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 Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 8:41 am Post subject: TomTom buys Horizon Navigation Patents. |
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In what to some may seem like a strange move TomTom have bought the Patent Portfolio of Horizon Navigation Inc. This is a clear signal of the company's intent in the US Market. By buying these Patents it allows TomTom to control the products in the US Market designed using the concepts and ideas defined in the patents. Effectively if you own the patent you can license the technology to other parties, or stop the other companies making that product.
It is quite common in the US for companies to apply for and own patents and then sue their competition if they believe that one of the patents have been infringed. There are a number of cases (not involving Horizon patents) currently in progress between TomTom and Garmin.
| TomTom Press Release wrote: | TomTom acquires the Horizon Navigation Inc. patent portfolio
An acquisition to provide a major boost to TomTom’s patent portfolio
Amsterdam, 21 June 2007 - TomTom, the world’s largest navigation solution provider, announced today that it has acquired the entire world-wide patent portfolio of Horizon Navigation Inc. Horizon has been a leader in the design of vehicle navigation systems for eighteen years. It developed original equipment navigation solutions for General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Porsche, and Nissan. In addition, Horizon designed aftermarket products for Audiovox, Clarion, Dual and Cobra Electronics.
Horizon has also agreed to provide US based R&D to augment TomTom’s development teams and will continue to develop its own software products.
Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Harold Goddijn, TomTom’s Chief Executive said “We are delighted to acquire these important patents, many of which were invented in the early years of GPS. Horizon's patents will add to our own rapidly growing patent portfolio.”
Laura White, Horizon’s President and CEO said “We are looking forward to contributing our navigation experience to assist TomTom, as well as continuing to provide creative solutions to our expanding customer base.” |
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Mike Barrett |
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