On Monday, Reuters tattled on Microsoft
Apples and oranges
Microsoft might've bought some of Apple's design patents, but it's going to have to leave the cloning to Star Wars. Apple's agreement includes an "anti-cloning agreement" that gives its sleek curves and edge-to-edge glass to Microsoft without handing over its body.
This move might be more protective than forward-thinking. Microsoft's new Surface tablet shares some uncannily similar characteristics to the iPad, potentially paving the way for future lawsuits.
As we've seen with the recent Apple-Samsung lawsuit, Apple's not afraid to point fingers to protect its work. If you've read beyond the headlines, you know that this lawsuit has been two years in the making, ever since Steve Jobs and Tim Cook personally delivered a presentation to Samsung outlining dozens of patent infringements.
It could've ended as a $250 million business transaction, but Samsung refused Apple's ask. Tim Cook is now demanding upwards of $2.5 billion and Samsung's name has made history in the tech tabloids.
Don't create, imitate
Microsoft's new deal might seem like another lackluster attempt to tag along behind Apple's first-mover success. Investors and consumers alike cringed when Research In Motion
However, Microsoft's new purchase strategy might just be its smartest move in decades. Its software/hardware identity crisis has plagued productivity as mobile devices have gained precedence, hurting the company's bottom line and creating a divisive corporate culture.
Despite its bad rap, Microsoft does actually do some things well, and this recent move will free up time and money for Microsoft to play to its strengths. Its two main revenue sources are its Office Suite and Windows OS, respectively comprising 35% and 25% of total sales. With design-focused products like the Xbox and Windows Phone responsible for only 3% of revenue, Microsoft should leave the aesthetics to the experts.
Microsoft stands to gain from this newfound partnership, but Apple's certainly not losing out. Another checkmark on its "outdo Microsoft" to-do list, Apple's got a whole lotta patents and ideas that it's not letting competitors anywhere near. Motley Fool analyst Eric Bleeker has prepared a special report outlining exactly why Apple still has plenty of room to run. It comes with a year of free updates and is chock-full of useful information. Pick up your copy today.
