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Google and Cisco announce long-term patent deal to avoid future litigation

In an effort to focus on products and not litigation, Google and Cisco will enter a long-term deal to cross-license their patent portfolios with one another, the companies announced today.

“In today’s overly-litigious environment, cross-licensing is an effective way for technology companies to work together and help prevent unnecessary patent lawsuits,” said Dan Lang, Cisco’s Vice President of Intellectual Property. “This agreement is an important step in promoting innovation and assuring freedom of operation.”

Google and Cisco are both Coalition for Patent Fairness members, and Google’s Deputy General Counsel for Patents, Allen Lo, said the company encourages similar agreements with interested companies.

Google and Samsung announced a similar deal last month.

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