Carl Zeiss Microscopy (Jena, Germany) and Olympus America Inc. (Center Valley, PA, USA) have signed a nonexclusive worldwide licensing agreement allowing Carl Zeiss to access a portfolio of patents held by Olympus in the field of digital pathology and virtual microscopy. Specific terms and conditions of the agreement have not been made public.

"The handling of digital data has become a major driver of the development of modern microscopy,” said Dr. Bernhard Ohnesorge, member of the board and general manager BioSciences Division of Carl Zeiss Microscopy. “Integrating the virtual slide functionality into our research microscope systems will enable our customers to become more efficient and to explore new scientific approaches. This will help them to better understand the root causes of the most challenging diseases.”

The microscopy business group at Carl Zeiss manufactures both light and electron microscopes. The company's portfolio enables research and routine applications in the life and materials sciences. The product range includes light and laser scanning microscopes, electron and ion microscopes and spectrometer modules. Users are supported for software for system control, image capture, and editing.

Olympus is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering innovative solutions in its core business areas: medical and surgical products, life science imaging systems, industrial measurement, and imaging instruments and cameras and audio products.

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