Patent Issues for Android Growing?

Microsoft is getting a reported $5 intellectual property royalty from HTC on every Android smartphone and tablet HTC sells. Microsoft also reportedly has also struck deals with a handful of other manufacturers for an undisclosed fee on each device they make as well.

Microsoft reportedly also is seeking $15 per Android device from Samsung. That is roughly in line with what Microsoft charges Windows Phone 7 manufacturers for use of that operating system.

The issue is whether there will be other licensing deals sought by Oracle, Microsoft and perhaps Apple, which is also suing some Android makers.

Such deals would be important because they would raise the cost of shipping Android handsets. To the extent that lower licensing costs are an important issue for some models, such potential costs might slow Android adoption by some manufacturers.

Can patent licensing fees derail the Android express?