Samsung: We cant rely on Google, so we addressed Android IP issues on our own

Screen Shot 2011 09 29 at 11.41.54 520x245 Samsung: We cant rely on Google, so we addressed Android IP issues on our own

With the dust still settling following the announcement that Samsung had become the latest and biggest company to license Microsofts patent portfolio, the reasons behind the agreement started to emerge with the Korean smartphone vendor looking to better position itself in its fight against Apple, having lost confidence in Googles ability to help defend it.

Microsoft and Samsung agreed to settle their dispute over software patents in the Android operating system, effectivelywipingthe slate clean and providing a foundation from which both companies can seek to fight Apple both legally and in the markets in which it provides devices.

A source told the Korea Times that Samsung is securing multiple mobile OSs to put it in a better position in its fight against Apple, with the smartphone maker also hedging its bets with other mobile operating systems after it was announced that it would partner with Intel and the Linux Foundation to collaborate on a new open-source Linux-based smartphone platform called Tizen.

Microsoftalso took theopportunityto take a swipe at Google in a company blog post announcing the deal, calling the search giant out for its complaints over the impact of patents on Android and software innovation:

We recognize that some businesses and commentators Google chief among them have complained about the potential impact of patents on Android and software innovation. To them, we say this: look at todays announcement. If industry l! eaders s uch as Samsung and HTC can enter into these agreements, doesnt this provide a clear path forward?

Samsung officials heaped further scorn on Google, focusing on its acquisition of Motorola Mobility and the apparent lack of confidence it inspired in the company:

If Samsung truly believed that Googles takeover of Motorola Mobility was going to be helpful to the entire Android eco-system at large, it would have waited until that deal was closed before concluding the license agreement with Microsoft.

Samsung knows it cant rely on Google. Weve decided to address Android IP issues on our own.

Google has come under fire for its responsiveness to patent issues affectingmanufacturersthat use its Android operating system, particularly after Apple sought to ban sales of both Samsung and HTC devices for infringing on its patents. However, the search giant did provide HTC with patents to use against Apple in a recent lawsuit, signalling a change in the companys stance against its Cupertino-based rival.

It is believed that Samsung will pay Microsoft upwards of $180 million inroyaltiesthis year, but as a result of its deal the company will also receive marketing and development assistance with its Windows Phone handsets, assisting it in its mission to become the worlds top smartphone manufacturer by volume.


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