Microsoft has filed a lawsuit against Japanese electronics maker Kyocera in the Western District of Washington, alleging infringement of its patented technology.
According to the lawsuit, Kyocera has allegedly violated seven patents owned by Microsoft, apparently seen in the company’s Duraforce, Hydro and Brigadier brand cell phones.
The Japanese company allegedly used Microsoft’s patented technologies including power management for enhanced battery life, location services, "self-aware" devices that responded to user’s surroundings, and text message related patents.
Microsoft has asked the federal judge to ban the sale the infringing products in the US.
Reuters cited Microsoft deputy general counsel David Howard as saying: "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."
Duraforce, Hydro and Brigadier cell phones are powered by Android, and previously the software giant claimed that Android infringed some of its patents, and went on to sign licensing programme to vendors of handsets that ran on Android.
Handset makers including Samsung Electronics, HTC, LG, and ZTE have signed licensing deals with Microsoft.
According to reports, the company is also seeking compensation for the damages.
