REDMOND, Wash. (Legal Newsline) -- Microsoft Corp. and Dell have signed a patent licensing agreement allowing the two companies to share technology and "build on each other's innovations."
In a joint statement Wednesday, Microsoft and Dell said the agreement is the "continuation of a nearly 30-year business relationship."
"Our agreement with Dell shows what can be accomplished when companies share intellectual property," said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of the Innovation and Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft.
"We have been partnering with technology manufacturers and vendors for many years to craft licensing deals, instead of litigation strategies."
Such agreements help avoid costly litigation.
"Today's announcement builds on our history of collaborating to bring new technologies to market," said Neil Hand, vice president, End User Computing Products at Dell.
"The relationship between Dell and Microsoft continues to help Dell deliver choice and flexibility to customers looking for the best technology to meet their needs."
Under the deal, the two companies have agreed to license each other's applicable intellectual property related to Android and Chrome OS devices and Xbox gaming consoles.
They also agreed on royalties for Dell's products running the Android or Chrome platforms and on consideration to Dell for a license from Microsoft for Xbox gaming consoles.
From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at patents@legalnewsline.com.