Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Microsoft Signs Pegatron For Android License

Redmond-based Microsoft signed another hardware manufacturer under its program to provide patent coverage for Android- and Chrome-based devices Wednesday, saying that Pegatron Corp. has signed a patent agreement with the firm. No details of the license were announced, however, Microsoft said Pegatron will pay royalties to Microsoft under the agreement for its eReaders, smartphones, and tablets. The licensing is the latest in a line of manufacturers who have chosen to pay Microsoft for rights to use Android and Chrome--which is developed by Google--without the threat of being sued by Microsoft for use of its intellectual property. Microsoft has irked Google and others by insisting that hardware manufacturers using Android and Chrome pay for patent coverage; Microsoft claims its patents are being used as part of the technology behind both Android and Chrome.