Microsoft is well known for its enthusiastic stance on patent infringement, having gathered a royalty payment base currently consisting of over 11 companies using the Android OS.
Barnes & Noble, which uses the OS for its Nook devices, has appealed to US courts to end the Redmond-based company's patent collection for Android devices.
Touché
"Microsoft is embarking on a campaign of asserting trivial and outmoded patents against manufacturers of Android devices," read a letter from Barnes & Noble to the U.S. Justice Department's chief counsel for competition policy.
"Microsoft is attempting to raise its rivals' costs in order to drive out competition and to deter innovation in mobile devices."
In a fairly nonchalant manner, Microsoft replied "We would be pleased to extend a license to Barnes & Noble."
Infringe this
Recently Chinese telecoms firm Huawei confirmed that Microsoft had approached it demanding royalty payments.
It's thought that Microsoft maintains control over 55 percent of the Android ODM market by revenue, and 53 percent of Android OEMs by units shipped.
Indeed, analysts asymco found that the Google OS generates more money for Microsoft than its own Windows Phone.
A trial is due to take place between Barnes & Noble and Microsoft in February 2012.
[source: VentureBeat]
News
When Matt was 7 years old he didn't write to Santa like the other little boys and girls. He wrote to Mario. When the rotund plumber replied, Matt's dedication to a life of gaming was established. Like an otaku David Carradine, he wandered the planet until becoming a writer at Pocket Gamer.
Related Articles
News
May 18th, 2024
PocketGamer.biz Podcast Week in Mobile Games E12 - Xbox's mobile games store and Unity vs. AppLovin
Top Stories
News
10 hours, 54 minutes ago
PocketGamer.biz Podcast - ustwo games’ María Sayans on the sustainable strategy behind Monument Valley
News
11 hours, 22 minutes ago
Squad Busters releases globally tomorrow… But is it REALLY the next big thing?
News
12 hours, 53 minutes ago
Zenless Zone Zero July 4th release date confirmed as pre-registrations surpass Honkai: Star Rail’s
Feature
May 28th, 2024
Hot Five: Disney x Fortnite, Sega’s sonic speed, and a potential Keywords Studios buyout
Feature
May 27th, 2024
“There has been an increase in funding opportunities for African developers with more exciting times to come"
Events
Unreal Fest Gold Coast 2024 | Australasia | May 29th |
For The Win 2024 | Europe | May 29th |
Indie Craft K-Game Festival 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Indie Game Fest & Indie Campus 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Game Access Conference 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
GDCy Fest 2024 | May 31st | |
GameSummit Summer 2024 | Jun 1st | |
BostonFig Online 2024 | Jun 1st |