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Microsoft and HP Renew Patent Cross-License Agreement

Thursday 21. May 2009 - Third agreement between companies extends their long-standing relationship.

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) and HP (NYSE:HPQ) have renewed a patent cross-license agreement to further the development of each company’s research and development (R&D) efforts and expand technological innovation to enhance the overall customer experience.

The agreement covers a broad range of products and provides each company greater access to the other’s patent portfolio. The terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

Patent cross-licensing clears the way for companies to create stronger partnerships and innovate in a more open environment that is good for business and that ultimately benefits customers and end users. This agreement is a demonstration of both companies’ commitments to making their intellectual property more readily available to their business partners and the technology industry at large. Additionally, it serves as a testament to the innovation taking place at the companies and the strength and breadth of their patent portfolios, which are among the largest and highest-quality in the world.