Eighteen lawsuits had been active between the companies, relating to uses of technologies in mobile phones and other areas. Details of the deal were not shared, but in a joint statement the companies said they would “collaborate on certain patent matters”.
In a brief joint statement, the companies said, “Microsoft and Google are pleased to announce an agreement on patent issues. As part of the agreement, the companies will dismiss all pending patent infringement litigation between them, including cases related to Motorola Mobility. Separately, Google and Microsoft have agreed to collaborate on certain patent matters and anticipate working together in other areas in the future to benefit our customers.”
The two software giants have been involved in a tangled web of disputes, some spurred by Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility, which meant the search giant took on board a large number of patents related to mobile phone and network technology. Even though Google sold Motorola at a loss, the company kept the patents.
One such lawsuit also involved Xbox. Microsoft said Motorola failed in its obligation to fairly license its patents over video compression and wireless technology. A court upheld the complaint.
According to the BBC, while the deal ends this round of lawsuits, it is no guarantee Microsoft and Google would not clash in the future. Only time will tell. Until then, it’s good news.
Source: BBC News
