RealNetwork signed into an agreement selling its 190 patents, 170 patent applications and next generation video codec software to Intel for a price of 120 million USD. The agreement will allow RealNetwork, well known for their RealAudio, RealPlayer, GameHouse platforms, to carry on using the patents their current and future products.

When Internet was still in a nascent stage and people had just started using it up, RealNetworks became a popular name among the users through its audio and video streaming onto desktops. And during the 2000’s, about 85% of streaming content on the Internet was available in Real format. But with time, situation changed, Microsoft and Apple started providing similar services totally free, which marred the RealNetwork’s revenue.

As it became difficult for RealNetworks to compete, RealNetworks purchased Rhapsody from Listen.com in the year 2003 and made it up into an entirely separate body in April 2012. A music store was also launched by the company featuring their own Helix DRM scheme, sadly it supported pretty less number of devices. Then they introduced “Wrapper” to make Helix DRM to work on iPods and devices compatible with WMA. But as the September of 2011, files got unusable as all the music that was purchased before 2008 didn’t have renewed DRM.


Again, they got into releasing RealDVD to try out hand at backing up movies on DVDs, but sadly this also didn’t continue that long as a court injunction barred the distribution because it was backing the DVDs that weren’t legally owned.

Now finally, RealNetworks looks hopeful once again by selling their patents to Intel, “Selling these patents to Intel unlocks some of the substantial and unrealized value of RealNetworks assets. It represents an extraordinary opportunity for us to generate additional capital to boost investments in new businesses and markets while still protecting our existing business.” Thomas Nielsen, the President & CEO of RealNetworks told.

Intel also finds the agreement a profit giving venture. “We believe this agreement enhances our ability to continue to offer richer experiences and innovative solutions to end users across a wide spectrum of devices, including through Ultrabook devices, smartphones and digital media.” Renée James, the Senior Vice President & General Manager of Software and Services Group of Intel told the media.

Related posts:

  1. Intel & Google Enters in Partnership for Android Chip Making
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  3. Intel to Release its Ivy Bridge Processors in March 2012
  4. Amazon to Introduce 9-inch Android Tablet before October
  5. Intel to Roll Out Windows OS based MacBook Air-like Notebooks

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