For example, since 1970 Hitachi has had an A “Open
patent policy” (Tokkyo KaihouSeisaku.). Hitachi’s
technology is thus in principle open for purchase by
all (Hitachi, 1983.). Several other Japanese companies
practice similar attitudes to licensing, however
despite the openness, any such licensing policy is
always subject to it being possible to agree terms,
whether involving licensing payments or cross-licenses
or both.