Microsoft and Hop-on Sign Patent Agreement for Android and Chrome Devices

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. and Hop-on, Inc., signed a worldwide patent licensing agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio for devices running the Android and Chrome OS, including smartphones and tablets. While the contents of the agreement are confidential, the parties indicate that Microsoft will receive royalties from Hop-on under the agreement.

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"We are pleased that the list of companies benefitting from Microsoft's Android licensing program now includes a U.S.-based manufacturer of affordable cellular technologies," said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of the Innovation and Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. "Licensing is an effective way to share technology and build on each other's work to provide valued products to consumers."

"Hop-on is an international leader in the development and manufacture of electronics, distributed software and telecommunications services with an extensive portfolio of essential patent rights for mobile communications and computing technologies," said Peter Michaels, CEO of Hop-on. "The agreement with Microsoft represents our respect for intellectual property rights, and enables us to continue to provide cost friendly and technologically advanced devices to consumers."

Microsoft's Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property

This patent agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant technology ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that open Microsoft's IP portfolio for customers, partners and competitors. The program was developed to provide access to Microsoft's significant R&D investments and its growing patent and IP portfolio. Microsoft's specific patent licensing program for Android device makers has resulted in signed license agreements with numerous companies including Samsung, LG, HTC, Acer and Barnes & Noble.

More information about Microsoft's licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

http://hop-on.com/About.aspx

Hop-on, Inc. (HPNN.PK) is a global ODM and OEM manufacturer of electronics, based in the United States.  Over the past 20 years, Hop-on has successfully secured essential patents for mobile communications and computing technologies, and is respected for developing the world's first disposable cell phone. Hop-on is focused on Android and Chrome OS -based devices, smartphones, tablets, televisions, set-top boxes, eReaders and innovative mobile device applications. Hop-on is bringing cost friendly solutions to today's demanding world market.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.