I saw this article today about how Microsoft is now involved in the patent battle between HTC and Apple: http://techcrunch.com/2010/04/28/microsoft-htc-android-apple-patents/

I feel like I’m watching a tennis match – as these patent wars go back and forth.  I’m not a big fan of software patents – for reasons like this.  I would prefer companies spend their energy innovating – not litigating.   I also find some of the software patents to be extremely questionable – as they seem obvious and easy to independently create without “stealing” from another person.

What’s interesting is that Microsoft used to be in the news about defending it’s patent portfolio – but I haven’t heard much lately. Instead I’ve heard about how successful Windows 7 has been, Office 2010 coming out and a completely new phone operating system.  I think this might be a better strategy – to innovate and attract customers for the value you provide to them – not being distracted by patent wars.

Then again maybe I’m naive – maybe this suing and cross-licensing is a part of our world that goes on every day.  That it’s part of the cost of the products we offer in the U.S. (doesn’t apply to some other countries) in our business ecosystem.  That it’s not a big deal – the companies litigate, settle and cross-license all the time – as that’s the most efficient way.

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