HTC to Pay Microsoft Royalties on Android Due to Patents

Humberto Saabedra

Microsoft has announced that HTC has paid the software conglomerate an undisclosed sum to use the Android operating system and entered into a new licensing agreement, asserting wide-ranging software patents over the Linux base that powers the Google developed operating system and allowing the manufacturer to continue use of the operating system.

Microsoft has previously entered into similar agreements with Amazon, Xandros and a settlement from TomTom. At issue is Microsoft’s belief that the elements from both the user interface and the underlying operating system that comprise Android are in direct violation of its patents, with talks ongoing with other manufacturers.

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Journalist since 2006, initially covering the retail wireless sector before pivoting to anime and manga trade reporting in 2008. Founder and publisher of AnimeNews.biz (2008–2017), followed by a 13-year tenure at Crunchyroll News (2011–2024) and launching K-Comics Beat with Comics Beat in 2024. Now stripping away consumer noise to build independent, data-backed intelligence desks focused on cross-border licensing telemetry, production committee balance sheets, and industrial supply-chain forensics.

Date Updated Category General News

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