Panasonic to assign 900-patent portfolio to new Wi-LAN unit Collabo Innovations

OTTAWA - Panasonic Corp. will assign about 900 patents and patent applications to a new subsidiary of Wi-LAN Inc. (TSX:WIN), the Ottawa-based patent licencing firm announced Monday.

The portfolio relates to a broad range of semiconductor technologies from Panasonic Automotive & Industrial Systems Co.

Wi-LAN says the deal marks a new area of focus for its business, which generates revenue by licensing intellectual property to companies that use the technology in their products.

The Ottawa-based company believes the Panasonic semiconductor portfolio can be applied to a wide range of products including image sensors, microcontrollers and semiconductors used in optical drives.

It didn't provide an estimate on what the portfolio is worth or financial terms of its arrangement with Panasonic.

The patents will be assigned to Wi-LAN's new subsidiary, Collabo Innovations Inc.