14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is on a roll this week, having just announced the inking of the second patent licensing agreement in just a few days, this time around with Velocity Micro.
Softpedia users might remember that on June 27th, 2011, the Redmond company revealed an intellectual property deal with General Dynamics Itronix, which also focused on Google’s Android platform.
Velocity Micro is another illustrative example of a manufacturer confirming that Android packs innovations invented and patented by Microsoft.
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Velocity Micro, Inc., to address and secure IP rights for its Android-based Cruz tablet devices,” stated Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft.
I just asked a Microsoft representative for details related to the IP licensing deal with Velocity Micro, but she declined to comment further noting that the terms are confidential.
Still, the Redmond company made it abundantly clear that it’s being compensated by Velocity Micro for the use of Android in its devices, including its Cruz Tablet.
“By entering into this agreement with Microsoft, Velocity Micro, Inc., will be able to better meet the needs of our customers with the introduction of exciting new Cruz tablets having increased performance and functionality,” added Randy Copeland, CEO of Velocity Micro.
As far as Microsoft position related to other manufacturers embracing Google’s Android operating system for their devices, the message is clear.
“As you know you, it is important for manufacturers to understand that if they build and commercialize Android-based devices they must clear the needed IP rights through a patent license agreement,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Softpedia.
Just as it was the case with Linux, Microsoft is pointing out that Google Android-based devices infringe a number of its patents. The software giant owning a luxuriant patent portfolio and is not shy of stressing that there are IP problems associated with Android, which, at least as far as it’s concerned, can be resolved through its industry-wide patent licensing program for Android device manufacturers.
By the Looks of it, General Dynamics Itronix and Velocity Micro are just the first in a long line of manufacturers that will jump on Microsoft Android patent licensing bandwagon.
“We are currently in conversations with a number of Android device manufacturers. Last year, we announced a patent agreement with HTC covering its Android-based smartphones, and earlier this week we announced a signed patent agreement with General Dynamics Itronix and now today we’ve announced a signed patent agreement with Velocity Micro, Inc.,” the Microsoft spokesperson added.