Microsoft v. Google/Motorola
>> Microsoft open to Google/Motorola patent deal
GSMA Mobile Business Briefing
August 01 2012
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Microsoft stepped up its patent war of words with Google and its Motorola Mobility subsidiary, stating that “with its phones and tablets now subject to injunctions in the US and Germany, Google can no longer doubt the relevance of Microsoft’s patent portfolio to Motorola’s products”.
In a blog post attributed to Brad Smith, the computing giant’s EVP and general counsel, and Horacio Gutierrez, corporate VP and deputy general counsel, Microsoft said that it “has always been, and remains open to, a settlement of our patent litigation with Motorola”.
“Google can take one of two paths: it can choose either to engage in serious discussions to search for patent peace or persevere in its diversionary tactics,” Smith and Gutierrez said.
Microsoft said it is “seeking solely the same level of reasonable compensation for our patented intellectual property that numerous other Android distributors – both large and small – have already agreed to recognise in our negotiations with them”.
In return, Microsoft “stands ready to pay reasonable compensation” for access to Motorola’s patents.
According to Microsoft, Google has “mounted a public relations and lobbying campaign deflecting attention from its refusal to honour its promise to standards bodies to license standards-essential patents on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms, a practice that has prompted regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to investigate its conduct.”
Microsoft has been embroiled in a legal battle with Motorola for some time now, beginning well before the ailing device maker was acquired by Google.
While numerous Android device makers including Samsung, LG Electronics and HTC have deals in place with Microsoft, Motorola is the last of the high-profile device makers to be involved in a dispute with the company.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that the European Commission had opened investigations into Motorola’s patent licensing practices, following complaints from Apple as well as Microsoft. It was reported that the US Federal Trade Commission is doing the same. ###
- Eric - |
