Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Microsoft Signs Two Android Patent Deals

Redmond-based Microsoft is continuing to sign patent deals with manufacturers of equipment using Google's Android operating system, reporting today two separate patent agreements. Microsoft said it has signed Hoeft & Wessel, a manufacturer of handheld devices and terminals for the public transportation, retail, and logistics industry in Europe, and a similar agreement with EINS SE, a manufacturer of Android tablets in Germany. Financial details of the two deals were not announced. Microsoft said that both deals will provide the company with royalties from the respective firms. Microsoft has been aggressively approaching hardware manufacturers using the Android operating system, and asking them to pay for license coverage of Microsoft technology. Microsoft claims that Android incorporates technology covered by a number of its patents.