Microsoft signs updated Android, Linux patent pact with I-O Data
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Microsoft and Japanese peripheral and device maker I-O Data Device Inc. have updated their patent-protection pact.
![msiodata.jpg](https://www.zdnet.com/a/img/2015/09/29/2328caad-c7e7-4f92-a04d-ecec45f4ed58/msiodata.jpg)
Neither company is disclosing financial or other specifics about the agreement.The only revelation that's in Microsoft's press release: "This agreement includes I-O DATA network-attached storage devices and routers, as well as tablets."
This isn't the first patent agreement between Microsoft and I-O Data. In 2010, Microsoft and I-O Data signed a patent agreement via which I-O Data paid Microsoft an undisclosed sum for I-O Data's products running Linux and other related open source software.
I-O Data is one of nearly two dozen companies with which Microsoft has signed patent-protection agreements involving Linux, ChromeOS and/or Linux devices. In some, fairly rare occassions, Microsoft has sued and/or countersued Android and Linux vendors, including Kyocera, Barnes and Noble and Samsung, over alleged violations of Microsoft patented technologies in their devices.