Matthew Panzarino:
The patents were apparently licensed to Microsoft with an “anti-cloning agreement” in place in order to stop Microsoft from turning out copies of the iPhone and iPad. Samsung and Apple have, notably, met several times to discuss licensing patents, but the design patents covering the ‘user experience’ of Apple’s tablets and phones were, according to Samsung, not on the table.
Nice, an anti-cloning agreement.
That makes a lot of sense from Apple and Microsofts perspective. They have a history of cross licensing in order to avoid a repeat of their earlier court room battles. This way that relationship continues and a truly different but competitive user experience. No one would argue that Windows Phone is a clone of ios in any way. I actually prefer Android and iOS as my personal devices but I like the work that Microsoft has put into making Windows Phone a very different and compelling os.