Last week, Neowin covered a story on a deal that Microsoft agreed with Itronix, which allowed the rugged computer manufacturer, access to some of the software giant"s patent portfolio. Earlier today it was revealed that Microsoft is continuing on with their recent trend by signing a similar deal with Wistron.
Earlier deals have provided the estimation that Microsoft gains around $5-$15 from each product sold to a customer and therefore it would be safe to assume that they have secured a similar figure with Wistron. Microsoft didn"t specifically go into details on the agreement, however Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president stated that "[Microsoft] are pleased that Wistron is taking advantage of our industrywide licensing program, established to help companies address Android’s IP issues".
Given that Wistron produce an array of different electronic devices for OEMs worldwide, with its involvement in the Android and Chrome OS, this deal could be quite a significant one for Redmond. Patent agreements have previously only focused on the Android operating system, so it is interesting to see Google"s Chrome OS on this deal too.
Microsoft"s exact goal has never been communicated, however experts suggest it is an attempt to slow the growth of competing products and pursue more profitable arrangements that do not involve lawsuits. According to Microsoft, since starting their IP licensing program back in December 2003, they"ve managed to collect over 700 different patent agreements. Microsoft are certainly very happy about this as they continually boast their broad patent and IP portfolios to those they"re seeking a deal with.
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