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Microsoft, TomTom Reach Agreement Over Patent Infringement Cases

Redmond-based software giant Microsoft and navigation systems manufacturer TomTom recently announced they have reached an agreement over the patent infringement cases filed by Microsoft before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington and the International Trade Commission (ITC) and by TomTom in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

In short terms, Microsoft filed the suit against the GPS maker, claiming it infringed eight of its patents, including the ones regarding TomTom's implementation of the Linux kernel. TomTom quickly rejected the accusations and said it will try anything that's possible to support its cause. However, according to the agreement reached today, TomTom will pay Microsoft for coverage under the eight car navigation and file managements systems in the case.

"We are pleased TomTom has chosen to resolve the litigation amicably by entering into a patent agreement. Our car navigation patents, which are at the heart of the enhanced auto experience enjoyed by millions of drivers today, have been licensed to many companies, including leaders in the car navigation sector," Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing, Microsoft Corporation, said.

The agreement does not include any payment by Microsoft to the GPS manufacturer, a press statement rolled out by the Redmond software developer reads.

"We were able to work with TomTom to develop a patent agreement that addresses their needs and ours in a pragmatic way. When addressing IP infringement issues, there are two possible paths: securing patent coverage or not using the technology at issue. Through this agreement, TomTom is choosing a combination of both paths to meet the unique needs of its business, and we are glad to help them do so," he added.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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