It turns out that Google and Samsung are joining forces--sort of. They've signed a "global patent cross-license agreement" that covers the companies' existing patents and future ones over the next 10 years, according to PC World.
"We're pleased to enter into a cross-license with our partner Samsung," said Allen Lo, Deputy General Counsel for Patents at Google, in a statement. "By working together on agreements like this, companies can reduce the potential for litigation and focus instead on innovation."
The new agreement actually makes quite a bit of sense for both Google and Samsung. It will help boost the development of the Android ecosystem, according to Computerworld. In addition, the combined R&D of Google and Samsung will help drive their ability to innovate.
"This agreement with Google is highly significant for the technology industry," said Seungho Ahn, the Head of Samsung's Intellectual Property Center, in a statement. "Samsung and Google are showing the rest of the industry that there is more to gain from cooperating than engaging in unnecessary patent disputes."
Samsung held 34 percent of the smartphone market in the third quarter of 2013, according to Computerworld. In addition, the company shipped 85.5 million units globally. It also shipped 42.4 percent of the world's Android handsets. Needless to say, this agreement would benefit both.
With that said, the statement doesn't specify which patents are covered under the agreement. Both companies have tens of thousands of patents, according to Reuters. Depending on which patents are covered, these companies could either become firm allies or devolve to bickering once more.
In fact, two years ago Samsung agreed to pay Microsoft royalties and collaborate of the development of a Microsoft-based phone. This was a setback to Google, who was attempting to establish itself as the standard in mobile operating systems, according to Reuters. This new alliance, though, seems to show that the two companies may just have a bright future together.
