Microsoft Targets Android with Patent Infringement Allegations
Nov 03, 2010
The mobile phone wars became more interesting late on Tuesday when Microsoft publicly claimed for the first time that Google's Android operating system infringes on its intellectual property. According to sources close to the company, Microsoft believes that Android infringes on its patented technology. This infringement spans areas from the user interface to the underlying operating system. In a statement to CNET, Microsoft's deputy general counsel, Horacio Gutierrez, said that while Microsoft prefers to resolve intellectual property licensing issues without lawsuits, it must ensure that "competitors do not free ride on our innovations." Gutierrez's comments came as Microsoft and HTC announced a new patent deal. This agreement specifically allows the Taiwanese cell phone maker to use Microsoft's patented technologies in phones running Google's Android operating system. Microsoft mentioned ongoing discussions with other phone manufacturers. "We ha