Thursday, July 7, 2011

Electronics company Wistron pays Microsoft for Google Android

Another company that makes products using Google's free Android software will pay Microsoft for the privilege.

Microsoft and Wistron, an original design manufacturer in Taiwan, said Tuesday they have signed a license agreement where Wistron will pay Microsoft royalties for using software made by Microsoft's competitor Google on Wistron's designs for tablets, e-readers and mobile phones.

Last week, three other companies that use Android said they would pay Microsoft royalty fees: Onkyo, General Dynamics Itronix and Velocity Micro.

Microsoft has also sued Motorola and Barnes & Noble for selling products with Android software. Microsoft claims that Android infringes on Microsoft's intellectual property. Mobile phone maker HTC settled a lawsuit with Microsoft and now pays Microsoft license fees for using Android as well.

Google gives away Android software for free. The company did not respond to a request for comment last week, and I will ask again on Tuesday and update here if they respond.

Wistron, which is traded on the Taiwanese stock exchange, develops products for electronics companies around the world, including design, manufacturing and sales. Original design manufacturers, also known as ODMs, often make privately label products for other companies.

Microsoft chief legal counsel Brad Smith tweeted on Tuesday morning, "Our Wistron deal today makes for four Android #patent license agreements in nine days. (No need to calculate pi to figure that one out.)"

Here is our earlier stories on Microsoft's agreements with Onkyo, General Dynamics Itronix and Velocity Micro.

Here is our earlier story on Microsoft's lawsuit against Motorola and Barnes & Noble.

Here is Brad Smith's tweet below.

Update 10:09 a.m.

Google declined to comment on the Android agreement between Microsoft and Wistron.

Our Wistron deal today makes for four Android #patent license agreements in nine days. (No need to calculate pi to figure that one out.)less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet Reply

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