Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Microsoft Inks Linux Patent Deal With Casio

Redmond-based Microsoft has signed on another, major company into its Linux patent coverage efforts, saying this morning that Casio has signed a patent agreement with the firm. Microsoft explained that Casio Computer Co. Ltd is in a broad, multi-year patent cross licensing agreement, which will provide Casio customers with patent coverage for their use of Linux in certain Casio devices. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, however, Microsoft said Casio is compensating Microsoft for the rights. Microsoft has been inking deals with a number of computer electronics manufacturers, over patents it says users of Linux owe to the firm. The effort has been somewhat controversial; Microsoft claims Linux includes code which violates a number of its patents.