The deal covers tablets, smartphones and other devices

Jan 12, 2012 14:48 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft managed to sign a new Android patent license agreement with a leading mobile phone maker, this time with LG.

The company signed a similar agreement with Samsung in September last year, and has agreements with other popular Android phone makers as well, including HTC and Acer.

Over 70 percent of all Android devices out there are currently covered by patent license agreements with Microsoft.

LG is the latest vendor to join the party through signing a deal that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for devices that include tablets, mobile phones and other products.

In addition to Android, the agreement is meant to cover LG Electronics devices that run under the Chrome OS Platform. Microsoft and LG did not disclose the terms of the agreement.

“We are pleased to have built upon our longstanding relationship with LG to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft.

“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 percent of all Android smartphones sold in the U.S. are now receiving coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio.”

Horacio Gutierrez also notes that Microsoft’s program aimed at resolving the IP (intellectual property) issues surrounding Android and Chrome OS is proving highly successful.

The new agreement signed with LG expands upon a pre-existing agreement and proves that IP plays an important role in the building of healthy and vibrant IT ecosystems.

“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,” Microsoft explains.

“The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.”