Eastman Kodak Company will sell all the assets associated with its OLED business to a group of LG companies.
Yes, Kodak has been a pioneer in developing technology associated with OLED displays. Yes, in the 1970s Kodak scientists developed the world's FIRST viable OLED material.
No, they do not want to lead the OLED charge, especially as it costs lots to develop the technology to a mass market standard.
Laura Quatela, Kodak's Chief Intellectual Property Officer and manager of the company's OLED business says, "… OLED intellectual property portfolio is fundamental; however, realizing the full value of this business would have required significant investment."
The story doesn't end there: in a separate announcement, Kodak says it has also entered into a technology cross-license agreement with LG Electronics. (The companies also agreed to conclude their patent litigation.)
That deal will allow each company broad access to the other's patent portfolio... but is royalty-bearing only to Kodak.
This move will tighten Kodak's investment focus and strengthen its financial position: and, in theory, let LG carry the heavy weight of developing OLED while allowing Kodak future access to any further OLED technology developments.
