Microsoft Hits Kyocera for Alleged Phone Patent Infringement
In a complaint Friday in Seattle federal court, Microsoft claims Kyocera infringes its patents with three of Kyocera’s lower-cost Android phones, reports ArsTechnica. The accused models include the Duraforce, Hydro, and Brigadier.
The three models use the Android operating system and are “ruggedized,” meaning they include features like waterproofing and thick rubbery exteriors.
“Microsoft has long maintained that Android device makers must pay royalties for use of its patents,” reports Ars Technica. “Most Android device-makers pay a royalty to Microsoft for each phone, and estimates of the Redmond company’s patent-licensing revenue ranges up to $2 billion per year.”