Newmarket, NH–Russound, the manufacturer of multiroom A/V products, has acquired the amplified volume control (AVC) patent from Sonance.
This acquisition signifies Russound’s departure from A-BUS multiroom technology which has previously anchored many of its audio distribution product lines.
“We have been the market leader in this product category, and this aquisition enables us to stimulate growth and make the powered volume control category more dynamic and more vibrant,” stated Jeff Kussard, Russound’s vice president of strategic development. “Our intent now is to clear the decks, clear the air, and make it easy for us to move ahead in this category with certainty. We were talking with Leisure Tech [manufacturer of A-BUS] about possibly partnering our patent with their technology and structuring something, but we have not been able to come to an agreement.”
Buying the rights to AVC allows Russound to explore and maximize the AVC product offering to its fullest potential, according to company. The New England-based manufacturer also stated that custom dealers will benefit, and that promoting AVC with other partners via licensing will help realize a larger market for the product category.
“Over the past years, amplified volume control products have been a favorite among custom installers because of its simplicity, ease of installation and attractive price point in the multiroom audio market,” added Russound vice president Joe Brouillet. “As one of the early champions of AVC, Russound has been a major contributor to its popularity and successful marketplace.”
Acquisition talks between Russound and Sonance began in the fall of 2004. AVC is US Patent No. 6,389,139.
For more information, visit www.russound.com.
