Thursday, January 12, 2012

Microsoft Ropes In LG On Android, Chrome License

Redmond-based Microsoft has notched up another win in its efforts to get consumer electronics firms using Android to license its patents, this time with LG Electronics. Microsoft said today that the two have signed a patent agreement providing coverage of its patent portfolio, coveirng LG's tablets, mobile phones, and other consumer devices. Microsoft has been aggressively pursuing companies running Android and Chrome OS -- developed by rival Google -- saying that those operating systems incorporate IP covered by Microsoft's patents. No financial details of the new license were announced. Microsoft already has deals with HTC, Samsung, and Acer covering their own Android efforts; Microsoft said the new license with LG now covers 70 percent of all Android smartphones sold in the U.S.