28 April 2010, 10:18

HTC signs patent deal with Microsoft for Android

Microsoft has announced that HTC has signed a patent agreement with it that covers HTC's mobile phones running the open source Android mobile platform. Microsoft will receive royalties from HTC for the Android based phones that it produces. A CNet report says that according to sources close to the company, Microsoft has taken the position that Android infringes on a number of the company's patents in its user interface and underlying operating system.

HTC, who also make Windows Mobile based phones, have had a long standing business relationship with Microsoft. Horacio Guttierrez, deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft says the agreement is "an example of how industry leaders can reach commercial arrangements that address intellectual property". The comment may be a reference to the fact that HTC is currently being sued by Apple over a range of patents, again in relation to its Android devices.

(djwm)

« previous | next »

Print Version | Send by email | Permalink: http://h-online.com/-988669