Microsoft And LG Sign Patent Deal, Microsoft Makes Money Off Of 70 Percent of Android Handsets

Microsoft is boasting their ever expanding blitzkrieg of the Android market today by announcing that they have signed a deal with LG over patents related to their Android phones and Chrome OS devices. LG now joins the ranks of Samsung, Acer and HTC as companies to fall to Microsoft’s patent bullying over the Android ecosystem. “This agreement with LG means that more than 70 percent of all Android smartphones sold in the U.S. are now receiving coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio,” Microsoft said in their press release.

Microsoft unabashedly makes more money off of Android than they do off their own Windows Phone 7 platform. How far will this campaign go to sign every company that has anything to do with Android? 

Microsoft and LG Sign Patent Agreement Covering Android and Chrome OS Based Devices

REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 12, 2012— Microsoft Corp. and LG Electronics have signed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for LG’s tablets, mobile phones and other consumer devices running the Android or Chrome OS Platform. The contents of the agreement have not been disclosed.

“We are pleased to have built upon our longstanding relationship with LG to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Together with our 10 previous agreements with Android and Chrome OS device manufacturers, including HTC, Samsung and Acer, this agreement with LG means that more than 70 percent of all Android smartphones sold in the U.S. are now receiving coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. “We are proud of the continued success of our program in resolving the IP issues surrounding Android and Chrome OS.”

Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property

The agreement with LG expands upon a pre-existing agreement, and it is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.

More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available athttp://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing/.