Linux Involved in Patent Deal Between Fuji Xerox and Microsoft

Published: March 28, 2007

by Alex Woodie

Microsoft has inked a patent deal with Fuji Xerox, a provider of document management software and hardware in Asia, that will see each organization sharing technologies to boost their product lines--Office in Microsoft's case, and document management software, as well as open source software like Linux, in Fuji Xerox's case.

Fuji Xerox is a joint venture between Fujifilm and Xerox that was started in 1962 as a way to distribute Xerox office products in Asia. Today, the company employs nearly 40,000 people, and brings in almost $10 billion in annual revenue, the bulk of it from Japan.

As part of the deal with Microsoft, Fuji Xerox and Microsoft will share patented information about their products and technologies. In Microsoft's case, it will gain access to patents held by Fuji Xerox that Microsoft will use to boost its products, including Office. In Fuji Xerox's case, it will gain access to patents held by Microsoft that may incorporate into its products, "including products that incorporate proprietary source and open source software, such as Linux," the companies say.

Beyond that general description, no specifics were provided.

"We are pleased to be able to reach a mutually beneficial broad patent agreement with Microsoft," says Kiyoshi Saito, senior vice president of Fuji Xerox.

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