Microsoft signs new patent deal with German Android device maker

Washington: Software giant Microsoft has negotiated a fresh licensing agreement with the German maker of Android-based devices, EINS.

Europe’s EINS manufactures Android tablets under the Cat brand in Germany.

While the contents of the agreement have not been disclosed, the parties indicate that Microsoft will receive royalties from EINS SE, Enterprise Innovation reports.

“This agreement with EINS is an important development that reinforces the success of our licensing program in the European market, particularly in Germany,” the report quoted Horacio Gutierrez, corporate VP and deputy general counsel of the intellectual property group at Microsoft, as saying.

The report pointed out that the deal comes amid what some observers describe as Microsoft’s continued push to pressure manufacturers of Android devices to enter into such deals.

Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the software giant has entered into over 1,100 licensing agreements, the report said.

ANI