Is cooperation, rather than competition, the way forward?
It wasn't long ago that one of the major beneficiaries of developments in electronics technology was the legal profession. The thinking went along the lines that because a significant number of advances have already been made, it's more than a fair chance that someone is copying your technology. Enter the legal teams.
So it's interesting to see the news that Samsung and Google have signed a wide ranging deal that not only gives both parties access to each other's patent portfolios, but also covers any developments for the next 10 years.
Google is beginning to develop some interesting ideas relating to consumer electronics products, while Samsung has the technology to enable them. Both are Android supporters, so there will be a flow of knowledge on that topic.
Both companies say the deal will allow them to focus on products, rather than litigation and that partnership is better than confrontation.
Could other companies cooperate in a similar fashion? Who would you like to see working together more closely?
