By Telecom
Lead Team: Microsoft and LG Electronics have signed a patent agreement that
provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for LG’s tablets,
mobile phones and other consumer devices running the Android or Chrome OS
Platform.
“We are
pleased to have built upon our longstanding relationship with LG to reach a
mutually beneficial agreement. Together with our ten previous agreements with
Android and Chrome OS device manufacturers, including HTC, Samsung and Acer,
this agreement with LG means that more than seventy percent of all Android
smartphones sold in the U.S. are now receiving coverage under Microsoft’s
patent portfolio,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and
deputy general counsel, Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft.
The
agreement with LG expands upon a pre-existing agreement, and it is another
example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT
ecosystem.
Since
Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has
entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs
that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP
portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant
R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.
