Microsoft and Motorola Solutions have struck a patent licensing agreement, giving Motorola Solutions “worldwide coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for devices that run Android and Chrome OS.” While details aren’t exactly clear, the deal will help Motorola Solutions avoid any patent fights with Microsoft in the future.
Motorola Solutions is the counterpart of Motorola Mobility, the more known of the Motorola companies. Motorola Mobility, the more consumer focused side of Motorola is the company behind the DROID line of smartphones, the Moto X and the Moto G. Motorola Mobility was in the hands of Google until a few months ago when Lenovo stepped in and purchased the company. Motorola Solutions focuses more on the enterprise end of things.
Microsoft has patent licensing deals with many manufacturers, including Samsung, HTC and Foxconn.
Press release follows below.
Microsoft and Motorola Solutions sign licensing agreement
Agreement with Motorola Solutions covers devices running Android and Chrome.
REDMOND, Wash. — April 21, 2014 — Microsoft Corp. announced on Monday a patent licensing agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of communication solutions and services for enterprise and government customers. The license provides worldwide coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for Motorola Solutions’ devices running the Android™ platform and Chrome OS™ operating system.
“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.”
Microsoft’s commitment to licensing IP
The patent agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant technology ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that open Microsoft’s IP portfolio for customers, partners and competitors. The program was developed to provide access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio. 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 & Noble.
via: WP Central