3M, Sony Sign License Deal on Optical Film Technology

3M Co. said late Friday it signed a license agreement with Sony Corp. granting Sony rights to use certain 3M optical film technology for its LCD televisions.

Financial terms of the license agreement were not disclosed.

In a joint statement, the companies said the licensing deal covers prismatic films for use in making liquid-crystal display panels.

The Maplewood-based manufacturer said the agreement represents the companies' "increased desire" to work together on LCD TV panel display products.

Optical films are used to make electronic displays brighter than displays without enhancement films, which results in energy savings for devices using them.

3M shares ended 80 cents higher at $78.66 while Sony was down $1.03 at $49.50 at the close of trading on Friday.