Giant Techs Join AST to Obtain Cost-effective Patent Licenses

By Ibtisam Awadat

AMMAN - Several high-tech companies such as Motorola and Ericsson have confirmed to ag-IP-news Agency their admission to the Allied Security Trust (AST).

AST is a Delaware statutory trust that provides opportunities to enhance companies’ freedom to sell products by sharing the cost of patent licenses. At the same time, the Trust creates new opportunities for patent holders of all sizes to generate a return on their rights.

Bruce Berman CEO of Brody Berman Associates said that Motorola is a member of Allied Security Trust adding that “there are currently 11 members in all.”

Meanwhile, Ericsson Senior Manager of Strategic Public Relations and Industry Analyst Relations, in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region Rob Elston revealed “Ericsson is a member of Allied Security Trust (AST).”

He explained that AST’s goal is to help member companies secure cost-effective patent licenses that facilitate freedom to sell their products without interference.

“The Trust also helps to reduce patent litigation costs and frequency,” Elston commented.

The leading members of the trust include Cisco, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Motorola, Sun Microsystems, Ericsson and Verizon Communications, according to a Wall Street Journal article.

Each member pays approximately $250,000 to join Allied Security Trust and places $5 million in escrow to purchase patents.