Microsoft touts tenth Android deal as proof patent war is unnecessary

Microsoft has signed another licensing deal with a major Android manufacturer allowing the use of its technology in devices running the Google operating system, and urged others using Android to consider signing similar agreements to avoid legal action.

The deal was signed with Taiwanese firm Compal, which produces smartphones and tablets for third-party companies, and Microsoft said it was the tenth such deal during 2011.

Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith and his deputy Horacio Gutierrez cited the deal as proof of a clear alternative to the ongoing patent wars over Android.

"Amidst continuing clamour about uncertainty and litigation relating to smartphone patents, we're putting in place a series of agreements that are reasonable and fair to both sides," they said in a blog post.

"While lawsuits may dominate the headlines, these are being overtaken by the number of licence agreements being signed. At this point, the fast pace of licensing is reshaping the legal landscape for smartphone patents."

Microsoft produced a graphic showing the various deals and ongoing litigation to underline the extent of its reach into the Android community.

Microsoft also used the announcement to have another dig at Google, arguing that the web firm's attempts to brand Microsoft's deals as "extortion" ignore the fact that a successful licensing system is vital to help any market function efficiently.

"For those who continue to protest that the smartphone patent thicket is too difficult to navigate, it's past time to wake up," said Smith and Gutierrez.

"As Microsoft has entered new markets from the enterprise to the Xbox, we've put together comprehensive licensing programmes that address not only our own needs but the needs of our customers and partners as well."

Microsoft recently announced a deal with Samsung over the use of Android in the firm's smartphone range, in a major win for Microsoft that undermined Google's purchase of Motorola Mobility for its patent portfolio.

Google had hoped Motorola's patents would help it stave off the ongoing attacks on Android, including one from Oracle, while major Android vendors Samsung, HTC and Motorola are all under attack from Apple as well.