TAOYUAN, Taiwan, and REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. and Qisda Corp. signed a worldwide patent licensing agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for an array of Qisda and BenQ devices, including smartphones and tablets, running the Android and Chrome operating systems, according to the Corporation.
“Today’s agreement demonstrates the power of licensing to accelerate innovation, because it will provide Qisda with greater patent protection as it brings new devices to market,” said Nick Psyhogeos, vice president and executive director of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC. “With this agreement, Microsoft has now entered into patent licensing collaboration agreements with nearly all the top Taiwanese original device manufacturers (ODMs). We are pleased that companies around the world continue to see the value of our patent portfolio, and view mutual respect for patents as an important element of building broader business partnerships.”
“The patent agreement with Microsoft provides additional freedom to innovate as we deliver our very own exceptional products,” said Peter Chen, president of Qisda. “As a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of electronic products, we recognize the value of intellectual property.”
Although the contents of the agreement are confidential, the parties indicate that Microsoft will receive royalties from Qisda under the agreement.
Microsoft’s commitment to licensing intellectual property
The patent agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant technology ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements. More information about Microsoft Technology Licensing’s programs is available athttp://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.
Microsoft’s specific patent licensing program for Android device-makers has resulted in signed license agreements with numerous companies including ODMs such as Hon Hai, Pegatron Corp., Quanta Computer Inc., Compal Electronics Inc., Wistron Corp., and OEMs such as Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., LG Electronics, ZTE Corp., and HTC Corp.
Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC was formed in 2014 to acquire, manage and license Microsoft’s patent portfolio.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corp. is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.