Microsoft today announced its 10th Android patent licensing agreement in the past 18 months, sealing a deal with Taiwan-based electronics maker Compal. As part of the agreement, Microsoft will earn royalties on tablets, mobile phones, e-readers and other Compal devices which use Android or Chrome.

Terms were not disclosed.

Now, along with recent agreements with Wistron and Quanta Computer, Microsoft said that it has entered into deals that represent more than half of the original design manufacturing industry for Android and Chrome devices.

Microsoft’s Brad Smith and Horacio Gutierrez write in a blog post:

“Amidst continuing clamor about uncertainty and litigation relating to smartphone patents, we’re putting in place a series of agreements that are reasonable and fair to both sides. Our agreements ensure respect and reasonable compensation for Microsoft’s inventions and patent portfolio. Equally important, they enable licensees to make use of our patented innovations on a long-term and stable basis.”

Here’s a look at the Android licensing and litigation landscape, as diagrammed by Microsoft:


Previously on GeekWire: Microsoft signs Quanta deal, ninth Android patent pact in 18 months

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