According to a new press release, Microsoft has inked a patent licensing agreement with Motorola Solutions (not Motorola Mobility, which was snatched up by Google back in 2011). The patent license provides worldwide coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for Motorola Solutions to create products running the Android platform and Chrome OS operating system. No word on how much Motorola Solutions has to pay Microsoft for the agreement.
“Microsoft and Motorola Solutions share a respect for intellectual property and a commitment to fair and reasonable patent licensing programs,” said Nick Psyhogeos, general manager, associate general counsel, IP licensing of the Innovation and Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. “Microsoft prefers licensing to litigation, since licensing is a more effective way to share technology and accelerate the pace of innovation.”
“Our Motorola Solutions communications technology works best for everyone when it is backed with robust intellectual property and patents,” said Joe White, vice president of Enterprise Mobile Computing, Motorola Solutions. “We are pleased to have agreed upon a solution that allows our customers to purchase Android products from Motorola Solutions with confidence.”
Since launching its IP licensing program back in December of 2003, Microsoft has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements with various companies. Microsoft is looking to develop programs that opens up the company’s IP portfolio for customers, partners, and competitors. Microsoft’s specific patent licensing program for Android device-makers has resulted in signed license agreements with numerous companies, including Samsung, ZTE, LG, HTC, Acer and Barnes and Noble.
