REDMOND, Wash. — July 24, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. announced today that it has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Amdocs Software Systems Limited. The patent agreement provides mutual access to each company’s patent portfolio, including a license under Microsoft’s patent portfolio covering Amdocs’ use of Linux-based servers in its data centers.   Although specific terms of the agreement are confidential, Microsoft indicated that Amdocs will pay Microsoft an undisclosed amount of money under the agreement.

“This agreement with Amdocs adds to the more than 1,100 patent license agreements Microsoft has entered into over the last decade,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. “Microsoft’s licensing program ensures respect for its world-class intellectual property portfolio while at the same time making available to others the result of its multi-billion dollar annual investment in research and development.”

Microsoft’s Commitment to IP Collaboration

The licensing 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 1100 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/.