Microsoft today announced that it had signed a patent agreement with HTC. Neither company provided details as to exactly what technologies are covered but these will cover HTC’s Android-powered phones.
“HTC and Microsoft have a long history of technical and commercial collaboration, and today’s agreement is an example of how industry leaders can reach commercial arrangements that address intellectual property,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft. “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with HTC.”
The agreement ensures that Microsoft will not follow in Apple’s footsteps and launch a patent dispute with HTC over its Android phones. It’s not as clear whether this same agreement will help HTC defend itself against Apple’s lawsuit.