Microsoft agrees Android patent licensing deal

Microsoft has agreed a patent licensing deal with technology company Wistron covering the Android and Google Chrome platforms.

The deal, announced on Monday, March 7, covers Wistron’s tablets, mobile phones, e-readers and other devices running the Android and Chrome platforms that fall under Microsoft’s patent portfolio.

Financial details have not been revealed, but according to Microsoft the deal is an extension of a previous Android licensing agreement between the companies.

Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing programme in December 2003, it has entered into more than 1,200 agreements.

Eric Ma, head of Wistron’s legal division, said: “We’re looking forward to continuing to enhance consumer experiences through our renewed and strengthened partnership with Microsoft.”

Nick Psyhogeos, president of technology licensing at Microsoft, added: “Combining access to Microsoft’s cutting-edge technologies with Wistron’s impressive engineering capacity is a powerful recipe for improved customer solutions.

“Our partnership with Wistron highlights the kind of opportunities created through mutual respect and alignment on IP.”