Sony, Kodak Settle Imaging Patent Spat

Kodak and Sony have set aside their differences, with both parties announcing a cross-licensing arrangement concerning each other's digital camera and imaging patent portfolios. The settlement also ends any litigation filed by either company.

The spat between the two companies began in March 2004 when Kodak sued Sony, alleging the company was infringing on several of its digital photography patents. Not long after, Sony fired back by countersuing over infringement of its own patents.

Under the terms of the agreement, both sides would cross license each other's patents. Also, Sony would pay an undisclosed royalty fee for use of Kodak's technologies, although full financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"These cross-license agreements give us broad access to the technology of Sony and Sony Ericsson, and validate the strength of Kodak's intellectual property portfolio," Kodak Intellectual Property Director and vice president Lauara Quatela said.

In a separate statement, Sony said the agreement would have no effect on overall earnings. Sony and Kodak are two of the biggest players in the digital imaging industry.