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Microsoft Licenses Patents to HTC, Staking Claim on Android Technology

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) has signed a licensing deal with HTC Corp. (HTCXF, 2498.TW) to use its patents in Android phones, as the software giant asserts its claim on technology used in Google's mobile platform. The agreement has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of Android's platform to intellectual property disputes. Apple Inc. (AAPL) has sued HTC over patent infringement claims, while Microsoft has opted for the licensing route.

HTC will pay Microsoft an undisclosed amount for the use of its intellectual property in Android phones. The deal highlights Microsoft's efforts to protect its technology and stake its claim in the marketplace. Microsoft has been trying to revive its struggling Windows Mobile platform, with plans to launch Windows Mobile 7 phones by the holiday season.

HTC has found itself at the center of recent industry drama, including a patent dispute with Apple and a high-profile partnership with Google to manufacture the Nexus One phone. HTC has also released several Android-powered devices, including the Droid Incredible and the Evo, both of which run on Sprint's 4G network.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has licensed its patents to HTC to use in Android phones, as the software giant expands its efforts to protect its technology.
  • The agreement has raised questions about the vulnerability of Android's platform to intellectual property disputes.
  • Apple has sued HTC over 20 patent infringement claims related to the Android mobile platform.
  • Microsoft has opted for the licensing route to address its concerns about intellectual property infringement.
  • HTC has released several Android-powered devices, including the Droid Incredible and the Evo, both of which run on Sprint's 4G network.
  • Microsoft plans to launch Windows Mobile 7 phones by the holiday season as part of its efforts to revive its struggling mobile platform.
  • HTC's partnership with Google to manufacture the Nexus One phone has brought the Android manufacturer into the spotlight in recent months.

Statistics:

  • Number of patent infringement claims made by Apple against HTC: 20
  • Percentage of Android-powered devices manufactured by HTC: Not specified
  • Number of Windows Mobile 7 phones Microsoft plans to launch by the holiday season: Not specified
  • Amount paid by HTC to Microsoft for the use of its intellectual property: Undisclosed

Sources:

  • Microsoft Corp. (2010)
  • HTC Corp. (2010)
  • Euclid Infotech, distributed by Contify.com (2010)
  • Apple Inc. (2010)
  • Google Inc. (2010)
  • Sprint Nextel Corp. (2010)
  • Verizon Wireless (2010)
  • Vodafone Group PLC (2010)
  • Verizon Communications Inc. (2010)
  • Lowenstein Sandler PC (2010)

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