Apple licensed 'design patents' to Microsoft, protecting Windows Phone and tablets

WP Central

Say what you lot will well-nigh Microsoft and Apple but the two companies either appear to be the only adults in the room or alternatively, they have formed an alliance confronting Android. Or maybe both.

Evidence has come forth in the Apple-Samsung trial that the former has licensed so-chosen 'blueprint patents' to Microsoft, which indemnify them against lawsuits from Apple tree over their Windows Telephone and Surface tablets. This may partially explicate why Apple was trying to collect patent royalties from Samsung in their late 2022 offer to the company.

Although details of exactly what is covered in the patents was non revealed, the backroom bargain looks to be an extension of contracts that Microsoft and Apple tree have had going back to the 1980's to cooperate and license proper technology where applicative, fugitive public courtroom spats.

One caveat of the deal though was made public: Microsoft could not "clone" any Apple products with the patents. Of course anyone who has used a Windows Phone or has seen Windows 8 tablets know that any similarities betwixt them and Apple'due south products would be a stretch. But Apple does concord broad rights on the iPhone'south "wait and feel" which theoretically could give them teeth in court to pursue Microsoft if they wanted. But seeing as the two companies take a common, cross-licensing deal in identify, the companies are legally in a détente against each other. That leaves Apple tree gratis to go "thermonuclear" on Android and their partners, which is what we're seeing at present with Samsung.

Microsoft is besides well known to have insured their OEMs against any litigation, should whatsoever be brought confronting them, providing legal coverage and financial assistance. Combined with the above bargain between the ii tech-juggernauts, hardware manufactures may be breathing a sigh of relief while others may re-consider doubling downwardly on Windows Telephone in the future.

The courtroom instance between Apple and Samsung could be wrapped upwards within the side by side week. Its verdict may accept far-reaching ramifications for the smartphone manufacture, specifically Samsung's staff of life and butter, Android.

Source: Reuters

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