Bangalore: Microsoft has signed an Android and Chrome patent licensing agreement with Foxconn’s parent company – Hon Hai. The deal covers the latter’s manufacturing devices running Android and Chrome operating systems, including Smartphones, tablets and televisions, according to Microsoft.

The terms on the deal were however not disclosed. But Microsoft says that it will earn royalties from Hon Hai.

In the past, Microsoft has sued Android vendors for infringing patent rights. In 2011 the software giant had filed a lawsuit against Foxconn for the Nook e-reader it makes for Barnes and Nobles. According to the statistics, 55 percent of Android devices by worldwide revenue are subject to patent license agreements between Microsoft and original design manufacturers. That is, every time an Android device is sold, the vendor or the manufacturer is paying Microsoft a fee. Companies like HTC reportedly pay $5 on a single device.

Microsoft’s patent licensing can avoid Android vendors to face further legal action. Since 2003, the software giant has signed more than 1100 patent deals for its technology access.

Other companies with similar deals include Samsung, HTC, Acer and Taiwanese electronics manufacturers Compal and Wistron

Taiwanese company Foxconn is best known to manufacturer Apple’s iPhones and iPad. The manufacturer also assembles tablets for Amazon and handsets for Nokia, Motorola and Huawei.

Read: Internet Reveals Shodan- A Creepy Search Engine For Hackers