Microsoft to sign up Pantech in Android licensing agreement

Microsoft is not stopping on its mission to sign patent licensing agreements with just about every Android vendor around from Samsung to Acer, and over 10 others. As of its latest agreement with LG, the company now collects royalties from over 70 percent of all Android smartphones sold in the United States. According to a deal with HTC inked in May, that figure could be as much as $5 per device sold. Now, Microsoft is apparently in talks with Pantech, South Korea’s third biggest smartphone vendor, for a similar licensing agreement.

Pantech confirmed the discussions to Yonhap News (via The Next Web):

“We are in talks with Microsoft over the patent use, but specific details have not yet been decided”

Among the other companies currently in agreements with Microsoft are HTC, Acer, ViewSonic, Huawei, Compal, Samsung, Quanta Computer, and LG. When Microsoft announced the licensing agreement with LG late last week, the company outlined its “Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property” while noting it signed over 1,100 licensing agreements since December 2003:

The agreement with LG expands upon a pre-existing agreement, and it is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.