Microsoft taxes Android phones

As you probably know, HTC is being sued by Apple for allegedly using its patents. Now Microsoft has come out with a similar claim, but rather than suing HTC, it’s simply licensing its patented technology to the company.

Not just HTC, either, but pretty much every other company that uses Android, as the patents relate to technologies that are specific to Android.

Annoyingly, this will mean that every time you buy an Android phone, you’ll be paying Microsoft royalties. Odd, but with so much cross-patenting and licensing going on amongst technology companies, not particularly unusual. And at least Microsoft aren’t suing HTC.

[Source: CNet]