Rovi (ROVI) on Thursday announced that it has entered into a multi-year patent licensing agreement with Google (GOOG). Under the agreement, the Internet giant will have access to Rovi’s “interactive program guide patent portfolio,” which it will incorporate into its Google Fiber set-top boxes, thus enabling the company to offer a more complete fiber TV service. The patent agreement also allows Google to integrate Rovi’s technology into its online and mobile platforms as well.
Rovi holds more than 5,000 patents within the digital entertainment landscape that is has licensed to consumer electronics manufacturers, cable television and satellite television operators, online entertainment portals, and various content distributors.
“Our agreement with Google continues the growth and relevance of our patent licensing program for not only traditional platforms, but also new media experiences across multiple screens,” said Samir Armaly, EVP of Worldwide Intellectual Property & Licensing, Rovi. “We are pleased that the relevance of our intellectual property in this space continues to be recognized by leading companies such as Google.”
Rovi’s press release follows below.
Rovi and Google Enter Multi-Year Patent License Agreement
Rovi Patent Portfolio to be Licensed for New Google Fiber Pay TV Service
Santa Clara, Calif. – 8/2/2012 – Rovi Corporation (NASDAQ: ROVI) today announced that it has signed a multi-year patent licensing agreement with Google. The agreement provides a license under Rovi’s interactive program guide patent portfolio for set-top boxes, as well as online and mobile platforms.
“Our agreement with Google continues the growth and relevance of our patent licensing program for not only traditional platforms, but also new media experiences across multiple screens,” said Samir Armaly, EVP, Worldwide Intellectual Property & Licensing, Rovi. “We are pleased that the relevance of our intellectual property in this space continues to be recognized by leading companies such as Google.”
