Were will this lead? A rather obscure patent agreement between Canon and Microsoft. Will Canon’s imaging technology find its way into Microsoft’s smartphones (made by Nokia)? Looks like.

Press release:

Microsoft and Canon sign patent cross-licensing agreement

REDMOND, Wash., and TOKYO — July 2, 2014 — Microsoft Corp. and Canon Inc. on Wednesday broadened their strategic alliance with the announcement of a broad patent cross-licensing agreement. With this agreement, Microsoft and Canon gain licenses to each other’s highly valued and growing patent portfolios.

“This collaborative approach with Canon allows us to deliver inventive technologies that benefit consumers around the world,” said Nick Psyhogeos, general manager, associate general counsel, IP Licensing of the Innovation and Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. “Microsoft believes cooperative licensing is an effective way to accelerate innovation while reducing patent disputes.”

This agreement covers a broad range of products and services each company offers, including certain digital imaging and mobile consumer products. Microsoft and Canon have a long history of collaborating to bring high-quality, cutting-edge products to consumers, including color technology. Contents of the agreement will not be disclosed.

“This agreement is a natural extension of our longstanding relationship with Microsoft and commitment to developing innovative technologies,” said Hideki Sanatake, senior general manager, Corporate Intellectual Property & Legal Headquarters of Canon Inc.