With all the technology patent cases still running around the globe, Microsoft has stepped forward, along with Cisco, to pledge not to block rivals products which use patents they own that are considered to be an ‘essential’ industry standard.
The announcement comes following a leaked letter from Apple to European officials, saying that tech firms should all sign up to similar open access commitments. The move would be a major shake up of competition law, one that may well end up stopping cases like the current patent disagreement between Apple and Samsung; over FRAND technology.
Some industry insiders feel that getting a similar pledge from all those involved in the tech industry may well be a struggle, especially as smaller firms would see it as a move to lessen their protection from industry giants like Microsoft and Apple.
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