Microsoft scores LG Android licensing deal

Microsoft today secured another Android licensing deal, this time with LG.

The patent deal covers LG tablets, mobile phones and other consumer devices running the Android or Chrome OS operating systems.

It means Microsoft now has licensing deals with 11 companies, including Acer, Samsung and HTC. It holds agreements with more than half of companies producing Android-based devices.

"This agreement with LG means that more than 70 per cent of all Android smartphones sold in the US are now receiving coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio," said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel at Microsoft's Intellectual Property Group.

"We are proud of the continued success of our program in resolving the IP issues surrounding Android and Chrome OS."

Microsoft scored its 10th agreement in October 2011, when it signed a deal with Compal, a Taiwanese Original Design Manufacturer (ODM).

The Redmond giant is also reportedly in talks with Huawei over securing a similar pact.

Despite its efforts to gain as many licensing deals as possible, Microsoft is still willing to take those companies without agreements to court.

In December, a US judge issued an initial ruling saying Motorola Mobility infringed one Microsoft patent.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) judge ruled six other disputed patents were not infringed. Microsoft has about 30 patents in action against Motorola.