Microsoft agrees to stop suing Asus in return for pre-installing Office on Android devices

A cryptic statement on Microsoft’s blog today confirmed that the two companies will stop suing each other — if Asus installs Office on its future Android phones and tablets.

Microsoft says that it has agreed with Asus to license its broad Android patents to the company in return for the pre-installed software. Interestingly, a similar deal appears to have happened with Samsung which settled with Microsoft and subsequently began bundling Office as well.

It’s been estimated that Microsoft makes more than $2 billion a year from over 300 patents it holds surrounding Android mechanisms, so it’s likely using that leverage to force phone vendors to distribute its apps, instead of suing for cash.

➤ Microsoft and Asus broaden patent agreement