Another Android Device Maker Signs Patent Agreement With Microsoft 203
doperative writes with this quote from El Reg:
"Microsoft has nailed a second Android device maker to a patent licensing agreement. The Redmond software giant announced on Monday that General Dynamics Itronix has signed a patent agreement that will provide 'broad coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio.' In other words, General Dynamics Itronix has agreed to licensing certain, unnamed Microsoft patents for use with Android-powered portables."
Re:This Will Help (Score:2, Interesting)
I am sure the developers are lining up for Android.
beats getting sued for an update button on ios.
I'm glad Motorola, at least, is fighting (Score:5, Interesting)
At some point these "unnamed patents" that are allegedly being infringed need to see the light of day.
On the face of it, this situation is too similar to the SCO lawsuits for comfort - talk of unnamed, unspecified patents against which Android is infringing, and a lot of lawyers to inflict the death of 1000 cuts if the company dares trying to fight. I suspect the similarity in tactics is not a coincidence.
Interesting that, AFAIK, they aren't going after Google - but then Microsoft knows Google has lots of lawyers as well.
To quote some Microsoft supporters... (Score:3, Interesting)
Those who cannot compete, litigate.
Microsoft has proven to be unable to compete in the marketspace of mobile devices. So Microsoft now threatens expensive lawsuits in their attempt to remain meaningful.
Re:Help me out here (Score:4, Interesting)
There really isn't one. Microsoft spent money researching, created something, and patented it. Now, they are doing what they ethically must: using previous investments (R&D, patents) to maximize value for their shareholders.
I haven't seen these patents, obviously. (I don't think we even know which they are.) I imagine some of them are broad, cover-everything patents. But some are probably fairly specific, given that Microsoft actually creates products in the same category and isn't (exclusively) a patent troll.
The flaw is that the patents are allowed to exist; the "wrong" is that conditions that allow this to happen exist, not that it's happening. The system needs reform.
Public Record (Score:5, Interesting)
Patent licensing deals should be a matter of public record. Do whatever the hell you want with your trade secrets, but if you're using a government instrument (patents) then We the People, the owners of the government, need to see how you're using them, so we can understand if adjustments need to be made.
Re:500,000 New Android Devices A Day (Score:5, Interesting)
It's brilliant. They make money simply by threatening people with litigation. Pure, unadulterated genius. It doesn't matter if their shitty windows 7 phones flop, they make money if android succeeds! Man, that is innovation.
Re:500,000 New Android Devices A Day (Score:5, Interesting)
Law may supersede contract, but GPL is based on laws as well; copyright laws.
If a patent supersedes the GPL contract, than the GPL contract becomes invalid in it's entirety and copyright law ensures you can't use it at all.