While the company has signed high-profile deals with Linux distributors Novell and Xandros, it has also more quietly inked agreements with Samsung and Fuji Xerox in recent months.
Unlike the patent covenants not to sue Novell and Xandros users, the deal with LGE, like those with Samsung and Fuji Xerox, appear to take the form of more traditional broad patent licensing agreements.
Through this agreement, LGE will be able to use Microsoft’s patented innovations in its products, including Linux-based embedded devices, stated the announcement from the two companies. LGE will be making ongoing payments to Microsoft for the value of Microsoft patents as they relate to Linux-based embedded devices that LGE produces.
While the deals with Novell and Xandros included promises not to sue those companies’ Linux customers, the LGE agreement relates to Linux-based embedded devices rather than Linux itself.
The deal works both ways: Microsoft will have access to LGE’s patents and will license other patents developed by LGE that are now owned by business solutions provider MicroConnect Group, the companies stated. Microsoft will be making a net balancing payment to LGE and MicroConnect for patents related to operating systems and computer systems.
