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Chip giant Intel has become the latest tech firm to bolster its patents portfolio, agreeing to buy approximately 190 patents and 170 patent applications, as well as next-generation video codec software, from RealNetworks for US$120 million.
Intel said the deal would boost its portfolio of multimedia products targeted at “a wide spectrum of devices, including through Ultrabook devices, smartphones and digital media."
In addition to the sale of the patents and software, the two firms also signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on “future support and development of the next-generation video codec software and related products.”
"As the technology industry evolves towards an experience-centric model, users are demanding more media and graphics capabilities in their computing devices,” said Renée James, Intel's senior vice president and general manager of the Software and Services Group. “The acquisition of these foundational media patents, additional patents and video codec software expands Intel's diverse and extensive portfolio of intellectual property."
"Selling these patents to Intel unlocks some of the substantial and unrealised value of RealNetworks assets," said Thomas Nielsen, RealNetworks’ President and CEO. "It represents an extraordinary opportunity for us to generate additional capital to boost investments in new businesses and markets while still protecting our existing business."
RealNetworks will retain certain rights to continue to use the patents in current and future products. It also noted that the deal would not have “any material impact” on its businesses.
Press Release:
Intel to Buy Patents and Next Generation Video Codec Software From RealNetworks
RealNetworks, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK) announced that it has signed an agreement to sell a significant number of its patents and its next generation video codec software to Intel Corporation for a purchase price of $120 million. Under terms of the sale, RealNetworks retains certain rights to continue to use the patents in current and future products.
"Selling these patents to Intel unlocks some of the substantial and unrealized value of RealNetworks assets," said Thomas Nielsen, RealNetworks President and CEO. "It represents an extraordinary opportunity for us to generate additional capital to boost investments in new businesses and markets while still protecting our existing business.
"RealNetworks is pleased Intel has agreed to acquire our next generation video codec software and team," said Nielsen. "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."
"As the technology industry evolves towards an experience-centric model, users are demanding more media and graphics capabilities in their computing devices. The acquisition of these foundational media patents, additional patents and video codec software expands Intel's diverse and extensive portfolio of intellectual property," said Renée James, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the Software and Services Group. "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."
In addition to the sale of the patents and next-generation video codec software, RealNetworks and Intel signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on future support and development of the next-generation video codec software and related products.
"We look forward to working with Intel to support the development of the next-generation video codec software and to expanding our relationship into new products and markets," said Nielsen.
RealNetworks does not anticipate that the sale of the approximately 190 patents and 170 patent applications and next generation video codec software will have any material impact on its businesses. RealNetworks businesses include a wide variety of SaaS products and services provided to global carriers, RealPlayer, the Helix streaming media platform, GameHouse online and social games, SuperPass and other media products and services sold both directly to consumers and through partners.
About RealNetworks
RealNetworks creates innovative applications and services that make it easy for people to connect with and enjoy digital media. RealNetworks invented the streaming media category and continues to connect consumers with their digital media both directly and through partners, aiming to support every network, device, media type and social network. Find RealNetworks corporate information at www.realnetworks.com/about-us
RealNetworks, RealPlayer, Helix, SuperPass and GameHouse are registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. All other trademarks, names of actual companies and products mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
For More Information
Financial:
Marj Charlier
RealNetworks
206-225-6785
Press Only:
Barbara Krause
Krause Taylor Associates for RealNetworks
408-981-2429
