Agreement pools MEMS microphone expertise

A crosslicensing agreement between Knowles Acoustics and Akustica aims to reinforce the strength of each company's respective patent portfolios.

Knowles Acoustics and Akustica have entered a cross-licensing arrangement that reinforces the strength of each company's respective patent portfolios.

Knowles Acoustics and Akustica are leading companies for silicon MEMS microphone design, manufacturing and sales.

Both company's innovations are tightly protected by several MEMS microphone processing and packaging patents.

Terms of the agreement are confidential; however, there will be no restrictions on sales of products from either company.

"Knowles was the first company to launch a MEMS microphone product and ramp into high volume manufacturing", says Jeffrey Niew, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Knowles Acoustics, "but we have always recognised that the growth and success of the MEMS microphone industry is based on the entry of other MEMS microphone manufacturers into the market".

"This agreement encourages competition in the marketplace while also acknowledging that the basis of fair competition is intellectual property protection".

"This agreement will benefit Knowles and Akustica customers", says Jim Rock, President and CEO of Akustica.

"Co-operation between the MEMS microphone market leaders creates an environment that stimulates innovation".

"The customers win by having a choice between microphone products and can select the solution that works best for their applications".

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