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| Subject: Apple extends exclusive deal with Liquidmetal Technologies for one more year Fri May 23, 2014 1:46 pm | |
| Apple extends exclusive deal with Liquidmetal Technologies for one more year In 2010, Apple signed an agreement with LiquidMetal Technologies to get exclusive access to the firm’s proprietary “amorphous metal alloys,” often referred to as “metallic glass”. Apple used the Liquidmetal alloys in the SIM card eject tool for the iPhone 3G. Recent patent filings has revealed Apple’s continued interest with Liquidmetal alloys. Interestingly, Apple has just renewed its license with Liquidmetal Technologies to use its alloys in future consumer products. Apple has been exploring the use of the material for the home button, internal tamper-resistant screws as well as touch sensors. The new agreement struck between the two companies is valid until February 2015. The two companies formally signed the paperwork for the renewal a few days ago. You can find the complete details below: - Quote :
- “On May 19, 2014, Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) and Apple Inc. (“Apple”) entered into an second amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Master Transaction Agreement that was originally entered into on August 5, 2010 (the “MTA”) and amended on June 15, 2012 (the “First Amendment”). Under the MTA and the First Amendment, the Company was obligated to contribute to Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC, a special purpose subsidiary of the Company, all intellectual property acquired or developed by the Company from August 5, 2010 through February 5, 2014, and all intellectual property held by Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC was exclusively licensed on a perpetual basis to Apple for the field of use of consumer electronic products under the MTA. Under the Second Amendment, the parties agreed to amend the MTA and the First Amendment to extend the February 5, 2014 date to February 5, 2015.”
Liquidmetal is a series of exotic alloy components developed by researchers at CalTech and is often referred to as “bulk metallic glass“. This is due to its atomic structure that makes it glass-like while offering a super-strong yet extremely flexible material that is resistant to corrosion and is scratch-proof as well. Ever since Apple acquired the rights there have been rumors which have claimed future iOS devices will be made of liquidmetal. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 6 and the new range of iPads later this fall, so it remains to be seen if the company will use liquidmetal alloys in these new devices |
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