Hon Hai might not sound to you as one of the big players in the tech industry, but it is in fact the parent company of Foxconn, which manufactures more than 40 percent of the world's consumer electronics, while Hon Hai is the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer that holds more than 54,000 patents worldwide
According to Foss Patents, Hon Hai has signed a worldwide patent license agreement with Microsoft to address infringement issues created by Google's Android and Chrome operating systems.
Microsoft has already entered into license agreements with numerous device makers (including Samsung, HTC and LG) as well as contract manufacturers, and is apparently pretty proud of its way of dealing with patent infringements --> see the following
The patent agreement (referring to that with Hon Hai) is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant technology 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 open Microsoft’s IP portfolio for customers, partners and competitors. The program was developed to provide access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio. Microsoft’s specific patent licensing program for Android device makers has resulted in signed license agreements with numerous companies including Samsung, LG, HTC, Acer and Barnes & Noble. (Microsoft)
However, such type is not endorsed by every company in the industry. Google, say for example, which has flatly denied that Android devices need a patent license from Microsoft, has its own Motorola Mobility subsidiary already lost in patent dispute with Microsoft (kind of, by a great distance). The company is not known for using "respectful approach" (suggested by Florian Mueller) like the one hugely used by Microsoft to intellectual property. To me, it sounds like the Microsoft approach is more like a win-win situation – both parties save huge amount of money from lawsuits, and the potential infringing party (who knows which ones) would not risk having sales bans implemented.
It'd really be great if studies could be done to see which way of dealing with patent infringement is better. Or, is there really a better way?
Motorola is the only Android-device OEMs that refuse to sign license agreements with Microsoft. And things ain't looking good for Motorola too. But note that Motorola was bought by Google with the purpose of expanding Google patent portfolio. So Motorola essentially is a offensive tool for Google to battle in patent litigation with competitors like Microsoft and Apple.
ReplyDeleteI think those Android system users are just victim between Google and Microsoft. Microsoft tries to fight with Google indirectly through suing Android users. I think it is also Microsoft's approach to sell Windows phone, but apparently, it is unsuccessful.
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