Microsoft sues Motorola over smartphone tech


4 Oct 2010

Microsoft has filed a lawsuit against Motorola, alleging that it has infringed patents in its Android phones.

The computer giant said Motorola based the design of its phones on the Android platform off of Microsoft technology.

The statement said these patents related to functionality in Motorola’s devices that are “essential to the smartphone user experience.”

This includes scheduling meetings, contacts and email synchronisation.

Microsoft also claims Motorola licensed some of its mobile technology between 2003 and 2007, but continue to use the technology without renewing the licence.

Its court filing refers to specific handsets, such as the Motorola Droid 2 and the Motorola Charm, but the company says the infringements are not limited to these devices.

Motorola said in an email that it had not seen the complaint but that the company would “vigorously defend itself” if challenged.

This is not the first smartphone-based lawsuit filed recently. Apple is suing both HTC and Nokia over patent infringement claims.

Oracle is also suing Google over the use of Java in its Android operating system.