Rambus acquires GLT microlens technology, forms new division with GLT staff
December 15, 2009--Technology licensing company Rambus (Los Altos, CA) has acquired technology and a portfolio of advanced lighting and optoelectronics patents from Global Lighting Technologies(GLT; Brecksville, OH) for $26 million. These patented innovations, including MicroLens light distribution technology, broaden Rambus' solutions for computing and consumer electronics.
In addition, it is expected that twelve people will join Rambus from GLT including Jeff Parker, GLT's co-founder, former CEO, and principal inventor. Most of those joining from GLT will form a new Lighting Technology Division led by Parker. He and his engineering team will continue the development of Rambus' newly acquired innovations and provide complete lighting solutions for customers based on this technology. Also joining Rambus is Chris Pickett, formerly GLT's president of the Licensing Division and general counsel, who will serve as a senior licensing executive for the new Lighting Technology Division.
A key application area for the acquired innovations is light emitting diode (LED) backlighting of liquid crystal displays (LCDs). LED backlighting solutions are increasingly pervasive in LCD displays for computers, mobile phones, gaming systems and HDTVs, offering advantages in image quality, power efficiency and reliability. These newly acquired innovations enable cost-effective and ultra-thin form factor LCD displays. They are also important for new applications such as advanced LED-based general lighting solutions.
"Rambus' long history of creating and licensing leadership solutions makes it the ideal home for this advanced lighting and optoelectronics technology," said Jeff Parker, senior VP Lighting Technology Division of Rambus. "There are tremendous business and technical synergies created by this acquisition. Rambus' extensive system and integration expertise greatly complements our new LED-based solutions for bright, thin and vibrant displays."
Through this agreement, Rambus has acquired 84 issued patents encompassing numerous innovations in advanced lighting and optoelectronics. GLT will continue its operations as a leading developer and manufacturer of display backlighting products and now becomes a Rambus licensee for the newly acquired patents and technology.
For more information, go to www.rambus.com.
--Posted by Gail Overton, [email protected]; www.laserfocusworld.com.