Microsoft earlier today made signed an agreement with Samsung to cross-license both companies’ patent portfolios, in a bid to work together. The deal was agreed that Microsoft will recieve royalties for all of Samsung’s phones produced running on Android platform. Samsung and Microsoft also aim to co-operate in development and marketing of windows phone
“Microsoft and Samsung see the opportunity for dramatic growth in Windows Phone and we’re investing to make that a reality,” said Andy Lees, president, Windows Phone Division, Microsoft. “Microsoft believes in a model where all our partners can grow and profit based on our platform.”
“Through the cross-licensing of our respective patent portfolios, Samsung and Microsoft can continue to bring the latest innovations to the mobile industry,” said Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, executive vice president of global product strategy at Samsung’s mobile communication division. “We are pleased to build upon our long history of working together to open a new chapter of collaboration beginning with our Windows Phone “Mango” launch this fall.”
In not so many words, Samsung will be paying for using Microsoft designs on their android based phones.
