Microsoft today announced a patent licensing agreement with Motorola Solutions, enabling the two companies to share technology.
The license will provide coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for Motorola Solutions’ devices running Android and Chrome OS. Note that this is Motorola Solutions, not Motorola Mobility, the company that Lenovo bought from Google for $2.91 billion in January.
Motorola Solutions is the communications/services arm of Motorola, selling devices and other services to government and businesses, whereas Motorola Mobility is focused more on the consumer side.
“Microsoft and Motorola Solutions share a respect for intellectual property and a commitment to fair and reasonable patent licensing programs,” Microsoft IP licensing general manager Nick Psyhogeos said in a statement. “Microsoft prefers licensing to litigation, since licensing is a more effective way to share technology and accelerate the pace of innovation.”
Not many details were revealed in the announcement, and financial terms were not disclosed. Microsoft has already signed several Android and Chrome OS patent-licensing deals in the past with companies like Samsung, ZTE, LG and Acer.
