Microsoft Files Lawsuit Against Kyocera Over Android Patents

Microsoft (MSFT) has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Kyocera (KYO), alleging that Kyocera’s Duraforce, Hydro and Brigadier phones violate seven Microsoft patents.

Microsoft’s complaint alleged that some of the features of Kyocera’s phones infringe patents it holds in several areas, including power management for enhanced battery life, “self-aware” devices that respond to changes in the user’s surroundings and text messaging.

“We respect Kyocera but we believe they need to license the patented technology they are using. We’re hopeful this case can be resolved amicably,” Microsoft Deputy General Counsel David Howard told Talkin’ Cloud.

Additionally, Microsoft has asked a Seattle federal judge to impose a U.S. sales injunction against Kyocera’s infringing products, along with damages and a trial by jury.

Kyocera’s phones run on Google‘s (GOOG’s) Android operating system. International Data Corp (IDC) noted that Android and iOS smartphones accounted for 96.3 percent of all smartphone shipments in the fourth quarter of last year.

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Microsoft previously claimed that Android infringes on some of its patents and offered a licensing program to vendors of handsets running the operating system. It also has secured patent licensing deals with several Android handset manufacturers over the past few years, including HTC, LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics.

Microsoft filed a lawsuit against Samsung last August over Android patent fees as well. This dispute, however, was settled last month.

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