Rugged Android device vendor pays Microsoft tax

Microsoft on Tuesday announced that it has signed a patent agreement with HTC covering the phone maker's Android-based devices, and it's talking with other phone vendors as well about its "concerns" regarding Google's mobile operating platform.

Microsoft and HTC have signed a patent agreement protecting the handset maker from Microsoft patent lawsuits over its industry-leading Android smartphones. HTC will have to pay royalties to Microsoft, which for the first time is enforcing its alleged Linux-related patents on an Android-based product, but the agreement could help it defend against a lawsuit from Apple....

Microsoft scored a victory Monday when defense contractor General Dynamics' Itronix division agreed to pay it licensing fees for using the Android operating system. Itronix makes rugged mobile computers for military, law enforcement, first responder and field service use. Microsoft's assertions of patent rights over Android and subsequent demands for licensing fees are controversial.

Microsoft has reportedly trained its Android patent guns on Samsung Electronics, demanding $15 for every Android-based handset the Korean manufacturer produces. If true, this could be the highest fee demanded by Redmond for its Android patents so far. Microsoft is reportedly getting royalties of $5 per Android device from Taiwanese mobile device giant HTC.

Microsoft and Samsung have signed an agreement to cross-license their patent portfolios, providing broad coverage for each company's products. Microsoft will receive royalties for Samsung's Android-powered mobile phones, and the companies have agreed to focus on further development and marketing of Windows-powered smartphones.

Summary: A roundup of news about software patents with increased focus on the weakness of the patent system and its ill effects on software freedom HP’s use of GNU/Linux scared Microsoft enough to put the company under “risks” in its SEC filings, warning investors that HP had become a threat. Then HP bought Palm, which used Linux its flagship product.

Microsoft’s current dispute against Motorola Mobility in Germany has taken a turn as they have now dragged Google into the mix. In the past, companies have always taken Google’s Android vendors to court, but never Google themselves.

Microsoft is not only right to chase companies that use Android and get them to sign patent deals, it has a duty to do so in order to maximize shareholder return.

http://www.muktware.com/4021/microso...banned-germany

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Microsoft got Motorola's entire range of Android device banned in Germany over age old FAT patent.