It is a well-known fact that Microsoft has been earning more in patent licensing to Android vendors, than by licensing its own Windows Phone operating system. It has as many as 21 Android vendors as patent licensees and Voxx Electronics happens to be the 21st. On last Tursday, Microsoft and Voxx have announced the worldwide patent licensing agreement for devices running the Android OS, including rear-seat entertainment devices, tablets and other consumer devices.
Microsoft Corp. and Voxx Electronics Corp. (formerly Audiovox Electronics Corp.) announced on Thursday a worldwide patent licensing agreement providing Voxx Electronics with broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for devices running the Android OS, including rear-seat entertainment devices, tablets and other consumer devices. While the contents of the agreement are confidential, the parties indicate that Microsoft will receive royalties from Voxx Electronics under the agreement.
According to Microsoft, since the launch of its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements. Android vendors have been target of many lawsuits and have entered into many patent licensing agreements, due to Android’s vulnerability to patent infringements. Another example of an Android vendor entering into a royalty-bearing licensing agreement with a patent powerhouse is the recently announced licensing agreement between Nokia and HTC.
