ZTE is the latest company to sign a patent licensing deal for Google Android OS, and joins the likes of HTC, Acer, Samsung, LG, and more who have a deal in place with Microsoft.
Microsoft owns a number of patents which are used in Google’s Android OS, and it would appear that the next company Microsoft wants to make a deal with on Android is Google’s own Motorola.
The Growing List of Licensees
The list of companies that have entered into patent licensing agreements with Microsoft for the use of its patents in Android OS is growing. ZTE joins a roster that includes major players like HTC, Acer, Samsung, and LG. These agreements are crucial for manufacturers as they allow them to use Android OS without the looming threat of legal action from Microsoft. Each of these companies has recognized the importance of securing a deal to avoid potential disruptions in their business operations.
Microsoft’s strategy of targeting individual manufacturers rather than Google itself has proven effective. By securing agreements with companies that produce Android devices, Microsoft ensures a steady stream of revenue from its patents. This approach also places pressure on other manufacturers to follow suit, creating a domino effect in the industry.
Microsoft’s Focus on Motorola
Microsoft’s Horacio Gutierrez hinted that they have attempted to come to an agreement with Motorola on licensing the patents used in Android, “So far they have been unwilling to address these issues in a fair manner.”
Motorola, now a part of Google, presents a unique challenge for Microsoft. Unlike other manufacturers, Motorola’s close ties with Google mean that any licensing agreement would have broader implications for the Android ecosystem. If Motorola were to agree to a deal, it could set a precedent for other companies and potentially lead to more widespread licensing agreements.
However, the negotiations between Microsoft and Motorola have not been smooth. Gutierrez’s statement suggests that Motorola has been resistant to Microsoft’s terms, raising the possibility of a legal battle. If the two companies cannot reach an agreement, it could lead to a high-profile court case that would have significant ramifications for the tech industry.
We wonder if Microsoft and Google will end up in court over these patents. Microsoft hasn’t really gone after Google before relating to these patents; instead, they have struck deals with the individual manufacturers. What will happen if Motorola refuses to pay Microsoft for the patents remains to be seen.
The potential for a court case between Microsoft and Google over these patents is significant. Such a case would not only involve two of the biggest names in the tech industry but also bring attention to the broader issue of patent licensing in the software world. A court ruling could set a legal precedent that would impact future negotiations and agreements between companies.
In the meantime, other manufacturers will be closely watching the situation. The outcome of the negotiations between Microsoft and Motorola could influence their own decisions regarding patent licensing. If Motorola agrees to a deal, it could encourage other companies to follow suit. Conversely, if the case goes to court, it could lead to a period of uncertainty and potential legal battles for other manufacturers.
Source The Verge
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