DOC assumes ownership of patents assigned by UNC

Digital Optics Corp. (DOC) has reached an agreement with The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the U.S. on the ownership of seven patents in the micro-optics field.

In this agreement, DOC will obtain ownership of UNC's assigned patents, in exchange for an undisclosed amount of stock for the university's foundation, bringing the company's total patents and applications to more than 120. The patents assigned by UNC represent three distinct micro-optics categories: encoding, achromatic, and micro-electronic interconnect.

As DOC's IP covers the fabrication and utilization of wafer-fabricated micro-optics, as well as the integration of micro-optics at the wafer and die level for specific products, these added patents are expected to enhance DOC's patent portfolio.

"Research carried out within UNC led to patents that contributed to the technology base on which DOC was founded," said UNC Chancellor James Woodward. "As the company has grown, it has maintained a close association with the university and, thereby provided wonderful educational opportunities for our students and research collaborations for our faculty. The exchange of our patents for stock in DOC is the obvious 'next step' for the evolution of a special relationship, which is a great value to the people of our region and our state."