Central News Agency (CNA) Printed circuit board equipment manufacturer Kuo Ching Industrial's board of directors approved a technology licensing agreement with international semiconductor equipment supplier Brooks Automation today. Kuo Ching will grant Brooks exclusive worldwide rights, and the two companies will combine their technological and manufacturing capabilities to promote the development and application of semiconductor wafer carrier (FOUP) cleaning equipment in the global market. Semiconductor wafer carriers are containers used in wafer fabs to isolate fragile wafers from external contamination and safely transport them between machines. According to the agreement, the one-time licensing fee totals US$16 million (approximately NT$510 million). Kuo Ching anticipates this will form a continuous revenue stream after the licensed products meet the agreement's specified conditions. Kuo Ching stated that the technology licensing agreement is expected to be effective for 15 years from the date of signing by both parties on June 30. During the licensing period, the company retains ownership of the technology and reserves rights related to the advanced packaging market. The one-time licensing fee totals US$16 million and will be collected in stages after the licensed products meet the agreed-upon conditions, as stipulated in the contract. Additionally, royalties will be collected per unit for subsequent sales of the licensed products. This is an exclusive license and includes provisions for non-competition, technology protection (technology escrow), and termination clauses. Kuo Ching and Brooks will jointly hold a press conference and signing ceremony for their semiconductor technology localization innovation strategic alliance on the 30th. Kuo Ching announced in a major news release today that this is a long-term strategic partnership focused on the mutual interests of both parties. Through this collaboration, Kuo Ching's innovative technology will be combined wi