Casio pays Microsoft for right to use Linux

Microsoft has agreed a deal with Casio Computer Co that will give Casio's customers the right to use Linux on their devices. This seemingly nonsensical piece of news gives credence to Microsoft's assertion that Linux violates some of its patents. Financial details were not released, but Microsoft described the deal in a statement as a “broad, multiyear patent cross-licensing agreement” and said that “Microsoft is being compensated by Casio”

“We're pleased to reach an agreement and to see continued recognition of the value of our patent portfolio, particularly as it relates to operating systems”, said Microsoft's corporate vice president and deputy general counsel Horacio Gutierrez.

According to Microsoft, the agreement is "another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem”. We couldn't agree more!