Microsoft and Amazon sign patent deal

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Microsoft and Amazon.com have signed a cross-licensing agreement, which will see the two tech giants sharing technology.

The deal will see the companies given access to each other's patents, which includes "coverage" for Amazon's Kindle e-book reader, Microsoft noted. The Kindle uses Amazon's own software as well as open source bits.

Microsoft also highlighted that the deal includes Amazon's use of Linux-based servers, but other deal specifics remain confidential.

Amazon will be paying Microsoft an "undisclosed amount" as part of the deal.

Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel for Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft, said in a statement: “Microsoft’s patent portfolio is the largest and strongest in the software industry, and this agreement demonstrates our mutual respect for intellectual property as well as our ability to reach pragmatic solutions to IP issues regardless of whether proprietary or open source software is involved.”

Nothing to see?

Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux foundation, said it was odd for Microsoft to issue a press release on the agreement, as companies make such deals all the time.

"Amazing how despite the 'broad range of products and technology' covered in their cross license, Microsoft chose to focus on Linux and open source - distinctly calling it out from 'proprietary software' and wasn’t specific about any patents," he said.

"It is worth noting that most technology companies have invested heavily in patents and that a cross-licensing agreement is a non-news event," he added. "The fact that two entities with expensive stockpiles of outdated weapons felt the need to negotiate détente is not surprising."

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