Blackberry ends agreement with Chinese-manufacturer TCL to make, sell phones

BlackBerry Mobile says TCL Communication will no longer be making or selling BlackBerry-branded mobile devices.

The company signed a brand licensing and technology support dealwith TCL Communication in December 2016 as part of its plan to stopmaking smartphones and focus on software.

Under the terms of that agreement, BlackBerry licensed itssecurity software and service suite, as well as related brand assetsto TCL Communication.

However, BlackBerry tweeted today that TCL Communication will nolonger sell BlackBerry-branded mobile devices as of Aug. 31.

TCL Communication also has no further rights to design,manufacture or sell any new BlackBerry devices.

However, the company will continue to provide support for theexisting portfolio of mobile devices until Aug. 21, 2022 or as longas required by local laws where the device was purchased.