VIA Technologies and 3Com Corporation today announced that the two companies have entered into a patent license agreement that grants VIA rights under certain 3Com patents. This agreement covers the licensing of specified 10/100 Ethernet controller semiconductors developed and sold by VIA and its subsidiaries.

While the specific terms of the license are confidential, the agreement covers past and future sales of VIA's licensed products. Under the terms of the agreement, VIA will make on-going royalty payments based on future sales.