RSSMicrosoft, LG Reach Patent Agreement
By Ed Oswald | Published June 7, 2007, 10:37 AM
Microsoft said Thursday that it had reached a cross-licensing agreement with South Korean electronics manufacturer LG, which follows a similar construct to a deal with Novell reached last November.
Through the agreement, LG is permitted to use Microsoft's patents in its products, including those used in Linux devices. In turn, Microsoft has access to LG's patents, including those owned by business solutions provider MicroConnect Group.
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, although Microsoft will make a "net balancing payment" to LG for patents for operating and computer systems. Additionally, LG will make ongoing payments as they relate to Linux devices.
"This agreement is another example of how Microsoft is continuing to build bridges with others in the industry through intellectual property licensing," Microsoft's IP chief Horacio Gutierrez said. "We are pleased to be working with an industry leader and partner like LGE to meet our mutual business goals and customer needs."
Microsoft has been quite busy in signing patent licensing agreements in the past year. It has also cross-licensed patents from Fuji Xerox, NEC, Nortel Networks, Samsung, and Seiko Epson.
"including those used in Linux devices"
Shouldn't that have the word *alleged* in it still? I could claim the Microsoft is in violation of 12 of my patents, and then say I'm not saying which ones!
Presumably LG knows which patents they're allowed to use, so how come Microsoft still won't disclose the patents it claims Linux infringes on?
Are LG actually getting anything worthwhile out of this deal, or was it more back room threats to buy into Microsoft's camp?
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Probably not, the claims are unfounded but Microsoft gets cheap control over a manufacturer.
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Microsoft's answer to the iphone is of course the "iBill"
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or iLitigation
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It appears that Microsoft has some additional electronic devices in mind. We've seen its answer to the iPod with Zune. What will be its response to the iPhone? (Of course we'll see one. It's the Microsoft way to enter the water after others have tested it.)
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