Microsoft sues Kyocera over Android patent infringement


Microsoft has filed a patent lawsuit against Kyocera alleging that the Japanese electronics maker infringed some of Microsoft’s mobile phone patents, according to a report by Reuters.

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As per the report, Microsoft alleges that Kyocera infringed upon seven of Microsoft’s patents and that the company’s Duraforce, Hydro, and Brigadier lineups are part of it. The software giant claimed that the aforementioned Kyocera phones used its patented technology including ones relating to location services and text messaging. It is not clear how much Microsoft is asking for in terms of damages and royalties.

“We respect Kyocera but we believe they need to license the patented technology they are using. We’re hopeful this case can be resolved amicably,”

said Microsoft deputy general counsel David Howard in a statement.

The complaint cites seven Microsoft patents covering specific approaches to power-saving, battery life, accelerometers, location, motion sensing and other technologies. The seven patents cited in the suit have not previously been used in any of Microsoft’s U.S. patent cases. In addition to the lawsuit, Microsoft is also asking the court to place a US sales injunction on Kyocera’s smartphones that are allegedly using Microsoft’s patents.

Kyocera launched INFORBAR A03 smartphone in January this year.


Author: Sneha Bokil

Sneha Bokil is a tech enthusiast and is currently using OnePlus 3T but she still treasures her Nokia N70 (M). You can follow her on Twitter @snehabokil and on Google+