Microsoft and LG Electronics have signed a patent agreement that covers LG’s Android mobile phones and tablets under Microsoft’s patent portfolio. It’s a wide-reaching deal that builds on an existing agreement and also covers any other LG consumer devices, including those running the Chrome OS.
Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of the Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft, said “We are pleased to have built upon our longstanding relationship with LG to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Together with our 10 previous agreements with Android and Chrome OS device manufacturers, including HTC, Samsung and Acer, this agreement with LG means that more than 70% of all Android smartphones sold in the U.S. are now receiving coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio. We are proud of the continued success of our program in resolving the IP issues surrounding Android and Chrome OS.”