Ian has been working with XMOS since 2008, just before the company started shipping its first product. From these important early stages, we have continued to assist the company as it has developed.
XMOS at a glance
XMOS is a fabless semiconductor company (i.e. it designs chips that are fabricated for it by third parties).
Its focus is on trying to make it quicker and easier for its customers to design and use its chips, in a wide variety of applications. An example of a current application is high fidelity iPod/iPhone docks.
In terms of the semiconductor industry, it sees the combination of programmable chips and ease of design developing a new semiconductor category.
Its approach is working well with clients who appreciate the very short development cycles, the reduced risk, agile development and energy efficient processors that XMOS provides.
Work we have done for XMOS
Our recent work for XMOS includes advice on:
- IP licensing (in and out)
- manufacturing agreements
- distribution/reseller agreements
- website terms and conditions
How Roxburgh Milkins works with XMOS
We have been helping XMOS with its various contract issues since before it started shipping product. This means we have been involved from day one in the development of its terms and conditions and licensing agreements. This has helped us to understand the way it does business and the way its business has developed.
We work with XMOS using our retainer service, which means we are paid a fixed monthly fee for legal work. XMOS has found this works well as it gives certainty on its legal budget and it gets a dedicated, high level service. We believe we have become part of the team and we get involved at an early stage when legal issues arise.
XMOS is trying to push the boundaries in what is already a cutting edge business. This throws up a lot of complex IP and trading issues that represent really good, challenging legal issues for us. It’s a very exciting business to be involved with.
"The combination of large company experience and responsive pragmatic advice is ideal for Xmos. I have needed support in a wide range of contractual and commercial areas and Ian has provided a flexible and efficient service to help the Company protect its assets" Nick Bishop, Head of Finance, XMOS
About XMOS
XMOS is a fabless semiconductor company and was founded in 2005 by experienced semiconductor executives. Based in Bristol, United Kingdom, with offices in Sunnyvale, California and Chennai, India, XMOS has attracted investments from top tier venture capitalist firms Amadeus Capital, DFJ-Esprit and Foundation Capital.
