The list of Android manufacturers that have agreed to a patent licensing deal with Microsoft is growing again today, as original design manufacturer (ODM) Compal has inked a deal with the folks in Redmond. Microsoft announced that the deal covers tablets, phones, e-readers, and other products made my Compal that run either Android or Chrome. The deal will see Compal making royalty payments to Microsoft, though neither the exact amount of money that'll change hands nor the length of the agreement were detailed. However, Microsoft did say that with this deal, over half of the Android and Chrome ODMs around the globe have signed a licensing agreement with it.

Microsoft already has deals in place with major Android manufacturers like HTC and Samsung, and at this point it doesn't look like the agreements are going to be stopping any time soon. You can find the full press release from Microsoft down below.

Microsoft and Compal Electronics Sign Patent Agreement Covering Android and Chrome Based Devices

Agreement provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio.

REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 23, 2011 — Microsoft Corp. and Compal Electronics, Inc. have signed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for Compal’s tablets, mobile phones, e-readers and other consumer devices running the Android or Chrome Platform.  Although the contents of the agreement have not been disclosed, the parties indicate that Microsoft will receive royalties from Compal under the agreement.  

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Compal, one of the leaders in the original design manufacturing, or ODM, industry.  Together with the license agreements signed in the past few months with Wistron and Quanta Computer, today’s agreement with Compal means more than half of the world’s ODM industry for Android and Chrome devices is now under license to Microsoft’s patent portfolio,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft.  “We are proud of the continued success of our licensing program in resolving IP issues surrounding Android and Chrome.”

Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property

The patent agreement is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 700 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.

More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing/.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.