Norton Rose Fulbright advises holographic optics pioneer TruLife Optics on strategic alliance

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised holographic optics company TruLife Optics Ltd (TLO) on its strategic alliance and share acquisition by Nitto Denko Corporation (Nitto), a premier global materials manufacturer.

TLO is a global leader in developing and manufacturing holographic optical components for wearable augmented reality (AR) devices. The company specialises in the design, prototyping, mass production, and integration of holographic optical elements (HOEs) into eyewear.

TLO’s patented technology is used to project high resolution, full colour images and video into the human eye through ultra-thin optics that can be incorporated into wearable augmented reality devices.

Nitto is at the forefront of developing materials that enhance both the performance and comfort of AR glasses, with a strong foundation in adhesive, film, sheet technology, and optical design.

Under this partnership, Nitto has purchased a minority stake in TLO, and the parties have entered into a long-term licensing and collaboration arrangement, uniting TLO's forefront position in holographic optics with Nitto's mass production capabilities.

The collaboration unites TLO's holographic optics expertise with Nitto’s significant manufacturing capabilities and creates a comprehensive group of specialists with the scope to greatly boost the development of innovative materials, cutting-edge, wearable AR devices and mass manufacturing capabilities and capacity.

The London-based, multidisciplinary Norton Rose Fulbright team advising TLO was led by partner Claire O’Donnell and senior consultant Chris Pearson, with partner Mike Knapper leading on the long-term licensing, collaboration and manufacturing arrangements, and with support from partners Matt Findley and Dominic Stuttaford, associates Tayo Hagger-David and Ed Spilman, and trainee solicitor Medina Rahman.

Partner Claire O’Donnell said:

“This was an exciting deal to work on, which sees two leaders in their respective spheres join together in a strategic alliance that will help advance the cutting-edge field of wearable AR. We see businesses around the world investing in, adopting and engaging in innovations like AR and AI, and we at Norton Rose Fulbright are positioned to provide strategic guidance on the legal implications associated with the development, deployment, commercialisation and use of these technologies”