Nikon and Sigma reach settlement in OS patent infringement case
posted Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 11:48 AM EDT
Since at least spring of 2011, Nikon and Sigma have been battling it out in the courtroom over image stabilization technology. Specifically, Nikon accused Sigma of patent infringement in regards to using proprietary technology used in Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) technology.
Today, Nikon has revealed via a press release the four-year-long battle is no longer, as the two have resolved the issues through an undisclosed settlement.
Details of the settlement have not been made public, but its not much of a stretch to say it involved a hefty payment on behalf of Sigma. This time last year, Sigma was mandated to cough up roughly ¥1.5 billion (~$14.5 million) to Nikon for infringing upon patented technology. Sigma is believed to have appealed the ruling, which further drew out the battle.
It’s unclear how, if at all, this will affect the image stabilization technology in Sigma’s lens lineup. But with the amount of lenses they’re looking to crank out over the next few quarters, it appears the two companies have either agreed upon the usage of Nikon technology or Sigma has altered how they go about image stabilization, ensuring they’re no longer using patented technology.
Whatever the undisclosed terms may be, the news of a settlement means the two companies can finally take a little bit off their respective plates and put those funds towards further development of their product lineups — good news for all of us.
(via SLR Lounge)
Image credits: Index image via Nikon