Google, Samsung, HTC and other companies sign Android patent licensing deal

Google, Samsung, Foxconn, HTC and other companies have signed a licensing deal to use each other’s patents for Android and Google apps on Android devices. The deal aims to protect the licensees against charges against each other.

It is unknown what kind of patents are involved. Manufacturers can use Android patents and Google apps on Android devices without having to pay royalties. The manufacturers license each other. Google, Samsung, LG, HTC, Foxconn, bq, Coolpad, Allview and Nokia licensee HMD Global are joining the initiative under the name PAX.

PAX must ensure that the companies that use the license do not enter into a patent battle with each other. The PAX site contains little information and it is therefore unknown what the exact terms of the agreement are and what the consequences of the agreement are for, for example, pending patent cases.

While many well-known names are taking part, some are also missing. For example, processor designer Qualcomm is not among them. Qualcomm raises a lot of money by charging other companies for the use of patents. Huawei is also missing, as are Xiaomi and Sony.