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Beside Philip/NXP who else license JCOP from IBM

Jul 2nd 2024

JCOP (Java Card OpenPlatform) was originally developed by IBM, but it has been exclusively licensed to and further developed by NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips Semiconductors) for many years. However, I don't have definitive information about other companies licensing JCOP directly from IBM. Here's what I can confidently say: 

1. NXP Semiconductors: - The primary and most well-known licensee and developer of JCOP technology. - Has been developing and marketing JCOP for smart cards and secure elements for many years. 

2. IBM: - Original developer of JCOP. - Transferred the technology to Philips Semiconductors (now NXP) in the early 2000s. 

3. Other companies: - While some companies may use JCOP-based products or integrate JCOP into their solutions, this is typically done through NXP rather than direct licensing from IBM. - Companies like Gemalto (now part of Thales), G+D (Giesecke+Devrient), Toshiba, and Oberthur (now part of IDEMIA) often use JCOP in their smart card products, but they generally source this through NXP rather than licensing it independently. It's important to note that the smart card industry has evolved significantly since JCOP's initial development. Many companies now develop their own Java Card-compliant operating systems or use alternatives to JCOP. (i.e. Infineon jTOP)

4. Based on uncertain information, it's suggested that Sharp has developed a 1024K dual interface smart card using JCOP technology in collaboration with IBM. 

The details of this potential product include: 

- Memory capacity: 1024K 

- Interface: Dual interface 

- Operating system: JCOP (Java Card OpenPlatform) 

- Collaborators: Reportedly Sharp and IBM