Microsoft Corporation has inked a patent agreement with rugged computers manufacturer General Dynamics Itronix for royalty payments on the latter’s Android-based products.
Under the deal, Itronix will receive broad coverage under ‘Microsoft’s patent portfolio’ for General Dynamics Itronix devices running the Android platform.
Financial terms about the agreement have not been disclosed, though it continues Microsoft’s long-held Android royalty strategy.
A director at General Dynamics Itronix said the completion of this agreement will enable Itronix to meet the needs of its customers with more diverse applications when using the Android platform.
Microsoft has signed more than 700 licensing agreements and continues to develop programmes that help increase access to its IP portfolio since the launch of its IP licensing programme in December 2003.
Microsoft has signed a similar patent deal with mobile device maker HTC in April 2010 where the latter agreed to pay royalties for the use of patented technology in its Android-powered devices.
The company is likely to seal more such Android licensing deals in the near future, although not the companies may agree to pay royalties.
