HTC’s revenues more than doubled in May, according to financial results released by the mobile phone maker this morning, to more than $1.4 billion. Official release: PDF. Sales of Google Android devices are widely credited with fueling HTC’s growth.
That wouldn’t normally be good news for Microsoft, which competes with Android and is a longtime partner of HTC, dating back to the early days of Windows Mobile. But the Redmond company is reportedly making $5 for every Android sold by HTC under a patent licensing deal struck between the companies last year — part of a broader legal campaign by Microsoft.
In reality, that patent licensing deal isn’t as much about generating revenue for Microsoft as it is about adding costs to Android.
But the agreement still creates an odd competitive situation. Microsoft wins, at least a little, even when it loses in this case.
Previously on GeekWire: Early Microsoft partner HTC rides Android past new Microsoft partner Nokia
