Microsoft and Pioneer Electronics announced today that they have entered into a patent cross-licensing agreement that will help develop both companies' product lines. The agreement covers a broad range of consumer products according to the firms.

Products covered include Pioneers auto navigation products and TVs along with Microsoft software products. It's easy to imagine that Pioneer will get some flavor of Windows for its GPS devices, Microsoft will get to build its new TV platform, and media center software into TVs.

"Industry collaboration through intellectual property licensing fosters innovation that benefits the customer, the consumer and the overall IT ecosystem," said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of intellectual property (IP) and licensing at Microsoft. "We are proud of our innovations and the quality of our comprehensive global patent portfolio. This agreement will help bring new and exciting technologies to customers who have learned to expect high-quality technology from Microsoft and Pioneer."

Via Microsoft