Acer and Viewsonic Join HTC and others with Microsoft Patent deal

Microsoft announced today that both Acer and Viewsonic have finalized patent deals with the tech giant. They both join the ranks of HTC and many others in licensing the proper patents from Microsoft in order to avoid lawsuits from them in the future. No word yet if Acer has to pay Microsoft per Android device sold but Viewsonic will have to open their wallets for an undisclosed amount for their Android and Google Chrome products.

Press Releases:

Acer:
REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 8, 2011 — Microsoft Corp. and Acer Inc. have executed a patent license agreement that includes broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for Acer’s tablets and smartphones running the Android platform.

“We are pleased that Acer is taking advantage of our industrywide licensing program established to help companies address Android’s IP issues,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft. “This agreement is an example of how industry leaders can reach commercially reasonable arrangements that address intellectual property.”

Viewsonic:
REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 8, 2011 — Microsoft Corp. and ViewSonic Corp. have signed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for ViewSonic’s tablets and mobile phones running the Android or Chrome Platform. Although the contents of the agreement have not been disclosed, the parties indicate that Microsoft will receive royalties from ViewSonic under the agreement.

“We are pleased that ViewSonic is taking advantage of our industrywide licensing program established to help companies address Android’s IP issues,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft. “This agreement is an example of how industry leaders can reach commercially reasonable arrangements that address intellectual property.”