Microsoft and LG cross-license patents

Microsoft and LG Electronics announced that the two companies have entered into a cross-license agreement, which will enable LG to use Microsoft technology in its products, especially Linux-based embedded devices ; Microsoft said that the agreement will provide the company access to LG patents as well as "other" patents that are now owned by LG’s business solutions provider MicroConnect Group. The companies did not disclose which specific patents are covered by the cross-license agreement.

Microsoft and LG also held the financial terms of the agreement confidential, but confirmed that that Microsoft will be making a "net balancing payment" to LG and MicroConnect for patents "related to operating systems and computer systems." LG in turn will be making "ongoing payments" to Microsoft "for the value of patents as they relate to Linux-based embedded devices that LG produces," the firms said.