Samsung, Microsoft Reach Cross-Licensing Deal

Wall Street Journal: Samsung Electronics and Microsoft have reached a cross-licensing agreement “providing broad coverage for each company’s products,” the two announced on Wednesday. Under the terms of the deal, Samsung will pay Microsoft royalties for each Android-based smartphone or tablet it sells, an arrangement that could have big implications for Google.

“We recognize that some businesses and commentators—Google chief among them—have complained about the potential impact of patents on Android and software innovation,” Microsoft’s attorneys said in a statement. “To them, we say this: Look at today’s announcement. If industry leaders such as Samsung and HTC can enter into these agreements, doesn’t this provide a clear path forward?”