By PHOTOgraphic Staff

February 14, 2001 — In a move intended to promote the growth of digital photography, Eastman Kodak Company and Olympus Optical Company, Ltd. have signed a mutual cross-licensing agreement that will let them share patented digital camera technologies. The partners also plan to work together to improve digital image storing and printing technologies, according to a February 13 announcement.

Kodak brings more than one thousand patents to the deal, covering cameras and digital photography systems, megapixel camera architectures, image processing algorithms, CCD and CMOS image sensors, and convergence devices—including combination products such as digital camera / printer devices, digital camera / PDA devices, and digital camera / cell phone devices. Olympus will contribute a similar number of patents to the plan.

"This agreement gives Kodak and Olympus the ability to develop better technologies and products, which will encourage more people to try new ways of taking and sharing their photographs," said Yusuke Kojima, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. "The experience and patent portfolio that Olympus holds in the area of digital camera components, optics and printers will make the collaboration between Kodak and Olympus even greater," Kojima explained. "This will benefit consumers long term and will help drive industry growth." Among other projects, the two industry giants will develop a service using Kodak's Print@Kodak Internet photofinishing service and Kodak PhotoNet Online.

The deal with Olympus is part of a larger program by Kodak to expand the market penetration of digital photography. "We look forward to working with Olympus, to evangelize the ease and fun of digital technologies to consumers," said Willy Shih, president, Digital & Applied Imaging and senior vice president, Eastman Kodak Company. "Kodak has made substantial investments in the development of digital cameras, image sensors and online photo services for almost twenty-five years, and by licensing the fruits of these investments, we can work with the industry worldwide to deliver better products and services to market." Kodak is pursuing similar arrangements with other digital camera manufacturers.