InterDigital expands Sony JV's scope to cover 5G, inks licensing deal

• InterDigital's (NASDAQ:IDCC) Covinda Wireless JV with Sony, formed in 2013 and initially focused on machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity, will now also research 5G technologies (expected to see major deployments towards decade's end).
• The revised deal also features a patent license from InterDigital, The company has already been investing in 5G R&D, as it tries to strengthen its patent portfolio for the air interface and offset the expiration of older patents.