Microsoft and Samsung have agreed to patent cooperation.

Microsoft Corporation has signed a cross-licensing agreement with Samsung Electronics, providing both companies with access to each other's patents. Under the terms, Microsoft will receive royalties from patents used in Samsung mobile phones and tablets running the Android platform.

Under the terms of the agreement, Samsung will pay Microsoft a royalty on every Android smartphone and tablet sold. The exact amount of the royalty is unknown, but will likely be $15.

Microsoft already receives royalties from another Android smartphone manufacturer, HTC, which pays the corporation $5 for each Android communicator released.