Thomson Invests In ContentGuard, Partnering with Microsoft and Time Warner

HostReview.com
Monday, November 22, 2004; 04:19 PM

Paris-based Thomson (www.thomson.net) enters into a partnership with current investors Microsoft Corp. (www.microsoft.com) and Time Warner Inc. the companies announced today.

"Digital Rights Management" describes a wide range of technologies that have been developed to allow movies, music and other digital content to be accessed by consumers over the Internet while protecting that content from unauthorized copying and counterfeiting.

Thomson has agreed to purchase an aggregate 33% voting stake in ContentGuard from Microsoft, Time Warner and Xerox, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

"This unique partnership brings together content, technology and media services to deploy more rapidly DRM-enabled business models," said Frank Dangeard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Thomson.

"The development of web services and new content distribution systems requires a complete ecosystem of participants. Thomson's investment alongside Time Warner and Microsoft shows that media, software, devices and services companies are committed to developing the infrastructure for web services to flourish," said Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software Architect, Microsoft Corporation.

"Today's announcement marks yet another important step in our work on DRM, and expands our collaboration with key partners on this strategic initiative," said Ron Grant, Senior Vice President at Time Warner.

Thomson provides technology, systems and services to help its Media & Entertainment clients -- content creators, content distributors and users of its technology.