Microsoft filed a lawsuit against Japanese company Kyocera this Friday, citing patent infringements, according to a report by Reuters. Microsoft has alleged that Kyocera is guilty of using seven of Microsoft"s patents in its Duraforce, Hydro and Brigadier cell phone series. These patents involved the illegal use of location services and text messaging which the Redmond giant had already licensed.
Microsoft deputy general counsel David Howard states:
We respect Kyocera but we believe they need to license the patented technology they are using. We"re hopeful this case can be resolved amicably.
Subsequently, the company has asked a Seattle federal judge to impose a U.S. sales injunction against Kyocera"s products which were infringing said patents. Kyocera is yet to respond to the allegation.
It is also quite interesting to note that, Kyocera showed off a prototype Windows Phone 8.1 device at the Mobile World Congress 2015 signifying the company"s interest in Microsoft"s OS. Being just a prototype, the device had almost minimal chance of making a commercial release any time soon, but it was quite pleasant to see the company experimenting on the viability of a Windows Phone in the future.
Despite the recent lawsuit possibly having a negative impact on the relationship between the two companies, the possibility of a Kyocera Windows Phone in the future still can"t be entirely ruled out as Microsoft has sued other Android device manufacturers, who also produce Windows Phones.
Source: Reuters |Court Image via Shuttershock