Nikon has fallen victim to Microsoft’s patent tactics and will now pay the software giant royalties every time certain cameras are using the Android operating system from Google. Microsoft did not disclose the details of the patent deal but the company did mention that they would be receiving royalties.
“Microsoft and Nikon have a long history of collaboration, and this agreement further demonstrates the value that both companies place on responsible IP licensing. Microsoft is proud to align with a leader in the digital camera industry to license Android technology for the benefit of Nikon’s customers,” Microsoft stated in an official press release. This deal affects certain Nikon cameras that run the Android operating system.
Funny thing is, Google once accused Microsoft of extortion when it came to these patent tactics. “This is the same tactic we’ve seen time and again from Microsoft. Failing to succeed in the smartphone market, they are resorting to legal measures to extort profit from others’ achievements and hinder the pace of innovation. We remain focused on building new technology and supporting Android partners,” Google stated back in 2011. Nikon joins companies like Acer, Viewsonic, and Samsung, who will pay Microsoft an undisclosed amount of royalties just to use patented technology that is now considered property of Microsoft.
