ITC To Investigate Microsoft's Patent Complaint Over Motorola

Microsoft's patent suit against Motorola will definitely be escalated into a full US International Trade Commission investigation, according to the USITC.  Microsoft alleges that Motorola infringes several patents in its range of Android devices, including how the smartphones synchronize contacts, calendars, and email; schedule emails; and notify applications of changes in signal strength and battery power.

Despite the investigation, Motorola has said that it is still willing to consider using Windows Phone 7 for future devices, even after abandoning Windows Mobile back in Q4 2009.  Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha has said that lawsuits of this sort are simply "part of business" and that his company is "open to finding ways to work with Microsoft, but it has to be a compelling offering."  If Microsoft's complaint is upheld, the judge may impose an exclusion order and cease & desist orders.