Vioguard Procures Patent Portfolio from Microsoft

Vioguard LLC announces that it has finalized a patent sale agreement with Microsoft Corporation (MSFT). The agreement included the sale of two U.S. patents for sterilizing surfaces on input devices by Microsoft to Vioguard. The patents are for disinfecting surfaces such as computer keyboards, touchscreens and miscellaneous input devices. The specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"The acquisition of these patents allows Vioguard to broaden our lead in the ultraviolet disinfection arena," says Laurance Ranta, president and CEO of Vioguard. “We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Microsoft.”

Vioguard's keyboard uses high-powered germicidal ultraviolet light, otherwise known as UV-C, at 254 nm wavelength. The keyboard uses UV-C lamps with a reflector and diffuser to distribute the light evenly. Based on published data, this level of UV-C will kill more than 99.99 percent of harmful microorganisms such as MRSA, mold, and other contaminants within seconds.

"Transformative technologies, such as those involved here, are made possible by a patent system that incentivizes innovation and research,” says Nick Psyhogeos, general manager and associate general counsel of IP licensing in the Innovation and Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. “We’re pleased to sell these patents to Vioguard as they bring their UVC solution to the market."

Source: Vioguard