Thursday, September 8, 2011

Microsoft Inks Two Android Patent Deals

Redmond-based Microsoft has racked up two more Android patent licensing deals, reporting this morning that it has signed a patent agreement with ViewSonic, the display maker which is developing Android tablets, and Acer, which makes both Android tablets and smartphones. Financial terms of the two deals were not disclosed. Microsoft said that the license with ViewSonic provides that company with "broad coverage" of its patent portfolio for tablets and mobile phones running Android or Chrome, and includes a royalty deal; the Acer license similar provides patent coverage for Acer's own line of smartphones and tablets. Microsoft's efforts to license its technology to Android phone makers has been controversial; however, Microsoft says that Android contains technology covered by its broad patent portfolio.