Microsoft signs patent licensing agreement with Dell

Microsoft and Dell today announced a patent licensing agreement that will allow the companies to share technology and “build on each other’s innovations.” While the duo didn’t reveal too many details, three product lines were mentioned: Android, Chrome OS, and Xbox. Microsoft and Dell say they have agreed to license each other’s applicable intellectual property related to Android and Chrome OS devices as well as Xbox gaming consoles. 

Microsoft Corp and Dell Inc have sealed a patent licensing deal under which Dell will pay the software giant royalties on sales of devices powered by Google Inc’s Android or Chrome software. The two companies will license to each other intellectual property related to Android and Chrome devices, such as “Chromebooks” based on Google’s Chrome operating system. Microsoft is locked in a battle with Google to ensure that handset makers using the free Android phone operating system pay Microsoft a license fee. Most of the larger handset makers, such as Samsung, LG and HTC, have already agreed to pay Microsoft a royalty on Android smartphones that Microsoft believes may infringe its patents.