Apple has a cross licensing agreement with MS, done at the time of Steve Jobs.

mistermann · on Nov 7, 2013

I wonder if (and how far) Steve Jobs was looking into the future when he did this, and how well, if at all, it has served Apple considering their more impressive innovations since then.

anuraj · on Nov 7, 2013

I would think Steve clearly saw the onslaught coming up and probably had an early director part as well - By end 90s MS had become a benefactor to Apple and both were no longer threats to each other. The enemy now was Google and its plans of global domination - I suspect, Steve - the master mind that he was saw the merits in ganging together against a common enemy.

It was common knowledge from early days that Android infringed on several OS and mobile patents. Also note Andy Rubin sold Android predecessor - Danger OS to MS along with all IP. It was just a question of when and how the IP assertion happens.