Microsoft and Dell form cross-patent agreement over Chrome OS and Android

27 Mar 2014

Dell has become the latest company to agree to a deal with Microsoft over being allowed to use Chrome OS and Android and is intending to sell the Chromebook 11, as well as other Android-based devices.

The companies have made a joint announcement stating they are looking to continue their relationship, which has spanned over 30 years.

Neil Hand, vice-president, End User Computing Products at Dell, said, “Today’s announcement builds on our history of collaborating to bring new technologies to market. 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.”

As part of the signed deal, Microsoft and Dell have agreed to license each company’s applicable intellectual property related to Android and Chrome OS devices and Xbox gaming consoles.

Under the terms of the agreement, they agreed on royalties for Dell’s products running the Android or Chrome platforms and on consideration to Dell for a licence for Xbox gaming consoles.

According to ZDNet, Microsoft has already signed deals with 20 other companies and the Dell agreement is considered important for Dell as it looks to expand into areas like mobile.

Microsoft is a Silicon Republic Featured Employer, comprised of top tech companies that are hiring now

Colm Gorey was a senior journalist with Silicon Republic

editorial@siliconrepublic.com