Microsoft Signs Another Patent Agreement this time with LG

[cereal killer]

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Microsoft and LG Electronics inked a patent agreement under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for LG’s tablets, mobile phones and other devices running Android and Chrome OS.

This marks the 11th deal for Microsoft with a device manufacturer leveraging Google's Android and Chrome OS. HTC, Samsung and Acer have all inked deals with Microsoft expanding their patent portfolio to cover over 70% of all smartphones sold in the U.S.

Google has voiced their displeasure with the practice and has yet to comment on this newest development.

Some say it's a brilliant move while others pound their fists in disgust. Answer our poll. Is this a smart move or is it just downright wrong?

Source: Microsoft​

 

[Bear in NM]

Huh, actually playing like adults. Sign agreements up front, and forget the litigation down the road. Perhaps I do not understand all of the ramifications, or perhaps this falls under stratigic alliances but either way it seems like a smart move.

Craig

 

[johnomaz]

Some patents are worth defending, some aren't. I like seeing the companies work together. Its how business should run.

 

[trestevenson]

Business is business. If LG is infringing on Microsoft's patents with some of their products, a licensing agreement is absolutely the way to go. Or LG could design their products in a manner that doesn't infringe. The patent system may be broken, but until it's fixed we all have to play by the rules.

 

[eagle923]

Business is business. If LG is infringing on Microsoft's patents with some of their products, a licensing agreement is absolutely the way to go. Or LG could design their products in a manner that doesn't infringe. The patent system may be broken, but until it's fixed we all have to play by the rules.

^ this

 

[sandracyrus]

Thank you for providing an interesting topic here. A while ago, I came across an article connected with the issue. It was entitled "LG latest Android user to license patents from Microsoft". It stated there that LG is the most recent system producer to sign an agreement with Microsoft to license its patents, and the said company is the eleventh manufacturer using Android or Chrome OS platforms to sign a deal with Microsoft. The move is intended to stay away from future lawsuits from the software giant. However, criticism has been noted. According to TechCrunch, Google has categorized Microsoft’s methods as “pure extortion.” Now, do you think this will be beneficial? If so, will the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?