Intel Corp. last week announced a $120 million agreement to purchase patents and video codec software from RealNetworks.

The two companies also have inked a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on future support and development of video codec software and related products.

Intel is purchasing 190 patents and 170 patent applications as well as RealNetworks’ next-generation video codec software.

“We believe this agreement enhances our ability to continue to offer richer experiences and innovative solutions to end users across a wide spectrum of devices, including through Ultrabook devices, smartphones and digital media,” said Renee James, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the software and services group.

RealNetworks said it retains certain rights to continue to use the patents in present and future products, and the company doesn’t expect the agreement will have any material impact on its businesses.

Source:http://www.vision2mobile.com/news/2012/01/intel-to-purchase-patents-software-from-realnetwo.aspx

Intel is branching out, having agreed a deal with RealNetworks for a number of patents.

The processing giant will also acquire the firm’s next generation video codec software, in a deal worth $120 million (£76.3 million).

Renée James, Intel senior vice-president and general manager of the Software and Services Group, said the deal stemmed from the company’s observation that consumers are demanding more media and graphics capabilities with their devices.

“The acquisition of these foundational media patents, additional patents and video codec software expands Intel’s diverse and extensive portfolio of intellectual property,” he said.

Intel recently announced a big move into the ultrabook market, revealing at the Consumer Electronic Show 2012 that gesture-controlled models will be among the 75 new ultrabooks it plans to introduce this year.

It is also planning to introduce advanced voice-recognition technology some time in the near future in conjunction with Nuance.

“We believe this agreement enhances our ability to continue to offer richer experiences and innovative solutions to end users across a wide spectrum of devices, including through ultrabook devices, smartphones and digital media,” Mr James added.

RealNetworks president and chief executive officer Thomas Nielsen believes the deal will also be beneficial for his firm, which will retain certain rights to continue to use some of the 190 patents and 170 patent applications in current and future products.

“Selling these patents to Intel unlocks some of the substantial and unrealised value of RealNetworks assets,” Mr Nielsen commented.

“Intel has a strong reputation as a technology innovator, and we believe they are well positioned to build on the development work and investment we’ve made in this area.”

RealNetworks businesses include a wide variety of software-as-a-service products and services, including RealPlayer, the Helix streaming media platform, GameHouse online and social games, SuperPass and other media products.

Source:http://www.cclonline.com/article/801277423/News/NoCat/Intel-agrees-120m-deal-for-RealNetworks-software/

The companies also signed a MoU to collaborate on future support and development of the next-generation video codec software

Intel has signed a deal to buy 190 patents and 170 patent applications from RealNetworks for about $120m (£76m) along with its next generation video codec software.

Intel says the patents and video codec software expands Intel’s diverse and extensive portfolio of intellectual property.

Intel senior vice president and general manager of the Software and Services Group Renee James said Intel believes this agreement enhances its ability to continue to offer richer experiences and innovative solutions to end users across a wide spectrum of devices, including through Ultrabook devices, smartphones and digital media.

In addition to the above deal, RealNetworks and Intel also signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on future support and development of the next-generation video codec software and related products.

Thomas Nielsen, RealNetworks President and CEO said RealNetworks was looking forward to working with Intel to support the development of the next-generation video codec software and to expandng their relationship into new products and markets.

RealNetworks does not expect the sale of these assets to Intel to have any adverse impact on its businesses.

source:http://appdev.cbronline.com/news/intel-buys-realnewtworks-patents-for-120m-270112