Microsoft Supports HTC Android Smartphones Thanks to New Patent Agreement [Microsoft & HTC Sign Patent Agreement for Mobile Phones, Apple Still Suing HTC]

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This comes as a total surprise, folks! It seems that Microsoft likes Android phones so much that it’s willing to let HTC use some of its patents in exchange for a huge chunk of change, or course. Redmond has officially announced the move today in a detailed press release and HTC has just gotten another ally in its quarrel against Apple.

As you already know, Apple has sued HTC for allegedly infringing on a number of patents. So far we know Google is indirectly supporting HTC in this particular legal matter and it looks like Microsoft is also interested in taking sides.

Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft commented on the newly formed partnership:

HTC and Microsoft have a long history of technical and commercial collaboration, and today’s agreement is an example of how industry leaders can reach commercial arrangements that address intellectual property. We are pleased to continue our collaboration with HTC.

Well what other choice did Microsoft have if not to sign a licensing agreement? The other option would be to sue HTC for infringing on Microsoft’s patents which is surely something neither company wants to experience.

HTC is a major player in the mobile business, hence Apple’s suing the Taiwan-based company, and Microsoft absolutely needs it to make hot Windows Phone 7 handsets. Suing HTC is not exactly something Microsoft could consider now, or in the future.

Microsoft will receive royalties from HTC but the press release doesn’t specify how much cash we’re talking about. HTC Android handsets have been around for a long while now and its weird how long it took Microsoft to realize these devices use technology patented by Redmond. Did Apple’s lawsuit open Microsoft’s eyes? Is Android becoming such a terrible threat that it simply has to be fought one way or another?

We’ll also notice how another giant corporation is basically saying HTC has been infringing on its patents for a couple of years. Will Apple use this argument in court?

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