Wi-LAN Inc., a technology innovation and licensing company, has recently inked a new partnership agreement with Espial (News - Alert), a Canadian Smart TV-enabler, in order to support Espial in licensing some of its patents related to video over IP technology.

Espial's middleware, video-on-demand, and browser products power a diverse range of pay-TV and Internet TV business models. Till date, 10 million licenses of its patented software are in use across the world.

"Espial is a pioneer in delivery and distribution of video-over-IP networks. We have invested significantly in innovation and developed a deep intellectual property portfolio," said Jaison Dolvane, president & CEO, Espial.

Dolvane said that his company believes its patents are core to its products, which have been commercially deployed in many countries since the early 2000s, and are quite valuable to the advancement of the video over IP industry.

"WiLAN''s proven track record makes WiLAN the right partner to lead the licensing of our patented technologies. We are excited for the opportunity to work with WiLAN," Dolvane added.

In line with the new agreement, WiLAN''s subsidiary Gladios IP will be in charge of day to day responsibilities for developing programs aimed at licensing Espial''s patents. Both the companies have agreed to then share the net revenues generated. All other terms of the agreement are confidential.

"We believe Espial has important patented inventions in the growing video-over-IP market," commented Jim Skippen, president & CEO, WiLAN. "This partnership brings together two companies with a breadth of experience developing and licensing digital TV technology and we will work to develop a licensing program beneficial to both companies."

In related news, Espial has acquired U.K.-based ANT, in a gambit to build an HTML5 leadership role inside the IPTV (News - Alert) ecosystem. This is ideal for supporting hybrid TV services that combine broadband, over-the-top (OTT) and traditional linear cable/broadcast services.