Kodak Licenses Laser Projection Tech to Imax

Imax Corp. has struck a deal with Eastman Kodak Co. of Rochester to license numerous laser-projection technologies. The large-screen and dome cinema specialist plans to use the technologies to improve the quality of film presentations in its largest theaters.

The licenses provide exclusive rights to more than 50 of Kodak’s patent families covering fundamental laser projection technology as well as rights to a broader range of patents covering complementary technologies useful for laser projection products. Although the agreement is royalty-bearing to Kodak, the specific terms of the deal were not announced.

The transaction will enable Imax, for the first time, to deliver the highest-quality digital content available to the company’s film-based screens larger than 80 ft and to dome theaters. The technologies also will allow Imax to distribute content with greater efficiency to its global network of theaters.

The intellectual property Kodak is providing is a testament to the company’s strong heritage in film and will help differentiate Imax in terms of innovation and technological advancement in large-screen cinematic experiences, said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO of Imax.

Imax expects to introduce the new laser-projection technology by the second half of 2013 and to provide the company’s largest screen and dome customers — who have had access only to analog film — with a full array of digital content. Kodak engineers will work closely with their peers at Imax to assist with the implementation of the technology.

For more information, visit: www.imax.com