Google claims Microsoft is “extorting” Android handset manufacturers with royalty fees

While we fully support companies defending their rights and intellectual property, we think that Microsoft is on the right track by asking for royalties for patents that they own, unlike Apple who is up to their necks in patent lawsuits. Samsung just joined the list of handset manufacturers who has agreed to pay Microsoft royalties for Android handsets that they produce, but apparently Google isn’t too happy about it.

Google is claiming that Microsoft is “extorting” Android handset manufacturers, going as low as pointing out Microsoft’s failure in the smartphone market with their Windows Phone mobile operating system. Microsoft responded by saying that if handset manufacturers such as Samsung and HTC are paying without much complaint, shouldn’t that be a good thing?

Given how Motorola Mobility is one of the major OEMs who have yet to enter into a licensing agreement with Microsoft, and how Google has recently acquired the company and with their feelings about royalties laid out bare, could a Microsoft vs Google patent war emerge or do you think Googorola will cave and end up paying Microsoft royalties in the end?