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by: jdrain11 // Source : You must login or register to view this content. // Posted on June 22nd, 2012
There has been an ongoing patent dispute between Microsoft and Motorola. Multiple manufacturers reached settlements with Microsoft, but Motorola did not. Instead Motorola is countersuing on the grounds that Microsoft is in violation of five Motorola patents on both the Xbox 360 and Windows, including built-in WiFi and video decoding technology. Back in April a judge ruled that Microsoft did indeed infringe on 4 out of the 5 patents.The judge also decided to make a 6 person commission to decide wether or not the xbox 360 should be banned from importing, since it is made in China. It gets worse for Microsoft. In early may, the Xbox 360 was found that it had violated patents of motorola and the sales of the Xbox 360, Windows 7, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player, were banned in Germany. It still gets worse for Microsoft, a judge recommended against the sales of the Xbox 360 in the U.S., but it was a recommendation and is not final until the decision is made by the International Trade Commission later this year. Motorola had recently given an offer to Microsoft entailing that Motorola would pay 33 cents to Microsoft for each Android phone sold, and Microsoft would pay 2.25% (unclear of profits or retail price) to Motorola. Microsoft previously accused several Android phone manufacturers of violating its patent for ActiveSync, a product to sync calendars. Since neither sides are willing to cooperate, the ITC has recommended to ban all imports of Android phones with ActiveSync, and all xbox 360s until the patent dispute is settled. If there is no settlement and they're continually rejected, the ITC will declare a verdict, and then the President will have 60 days to finalize the decision.
Do you think they will make an agreement. If no, is Microsoft screwed? Discuss.