Microsoft has won the patent ruling against Motorola Mobility – the company that Google is planning to buy for $12.5bn. According to a ruling by the US International Trade Commission, Motorola has infringed Microsoft's patents in making its Android handsets.
The verdict follows a complaint that Microsoft filed in October 2010, accusing Motorola of infringing nine patents related to the now-discontinued Windows Mobile and the current Windows Phone platforms. The patent covers various features such as scheduling events and synchronizing calendars from a mobile device.
"We are pleased with the ITC's initial determination," said David Howard, Microsoft's deputy general counsel, urging Motorola to follow the lead of other companies in licensing Microsoft's patents. Microsoft has struck patent-licensing deals with most of the world's leading handset makers, charging them royalty payments for using versions of its Windows software.
Motorola Mobility General Counsel Scott Offer is, however, optimistic about the verdict. He stated that majority of the ruling is favorable to the handset maker and may just provide more clarity on what Microsoft owns and avoid potential infringement.
The patent ruling comes as Google prepares to complete its pending acquisition of Motorola Mobility. Yesterday's ruling against HTC's Android platform and now the Microsoft ruling – would bolster criticisms that Google's Android operating system is vulnerable to lawsuits.
source:http://www.buzzom.com/2011/12/microsoft-wins-patent-ruling-against-android/