Samsung is the latest company to sign a patent licensing deal with Microsoft. In this case it’s a broad agreement to cross-license the patent portfolios of both companies, with Microsoft receiving royalties for Samsung’s mobile phones and tablets running the Android mobile platform. The companies have also agreed to cooperate in the development and marketing of Windows Phone.
Andy Lees, president of Microsoft’s Windows Phone Division, said “Microsoft and Samsung see the opportunity for dramatic growth in Windows Phone and we’re investing to make that a reality. Microsoft believes in a model where all our partners can grow and profit based on our platform.”
Earlier this month, Acer and ViewSonic signed Android-related patent deals with Microsoft. HTC came to a similar arrangement last year.