German LED semiconductor manufacturer Osram and Sharp based in Osaka, Japan have entered a cross-licensing agreement comprising of optoelectronic semiconductor components and lighting products including components from both companies.It extends from LED chips and laser diode chips through modules to luminaires.
In the past years, Osram has already entered into similar agreements with other big players in this market including Nichia, Philips, Toyoda Gosei, Cree, Samsung and LG. Such agreements mitigate the risk of inadvertently using other companies' patent rights. Therefore, customers of Osram’s LED and laser products are protected to a considerable extent from becoming involved in these products patent disputes.
