Compal licenses Microsoft patents for Android

Microsoft said Monday that Taiwan-based Compal Electronics has joined a growing list of gadget makers licensing its patents for use in devices powered by Google-backed Android or Chrome software.

More than half of the companies that contract to build Android or Chrome devices for major brands now license Microsoft technology, according to Microsoft deputy general counsel Horacio Gutierrez.

The deals mean that while smartphones powered by Microsoft software compete with Google-backed Android handsets, the Washington State-based technology giant stands to profit on the success of its California rival.

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Compal, one of the leaders in the original design manufacturing, or ODM, industry," Gutierrez said in a blog post.

"We are proud of the continued success of our licensing program in resolving IP (intellectual property) issues surrounding Android and Chrome," he continued.

Specifics of the Compal licensing deal were not disclosed.

Compal subsidiary Compal Communications makes mobile phones and its list of customers includes Motorola.

(c) 2011 AFP