Nikon licenses Microsoft patent to use in Android-enabled cameras

Amidst all the recent patent cases revolving Android and smartphone operating systems in general, Microsoft has been able to get in on the action thanks to a patent it owns dealing with all portable devices running Android.

Nikon has recently come to terms with Microsoft in regards to current and future Android-based cameras which will likely require the renowned photography giant to pay an undisclosed royalty fee for every device sold.

This likely means that Nikon will have to fork over some cash for the current Nikon Coolpix S800C released last October with Android 2.3 Gingerbread on board.

Microsoft already has similar deals with Samsung, LG, HTC, Acer and Barnes & Noble. It’s odd that Microsoft has been able to strong-arm these major manufacturers into paying for using Android, but that’s the way intellectual property patent work