Microsoft Adds Viewsonic, Acer to Its “Do Not Sue” List

Continuing its efforts to license its patent portfolio to companies making Android devices, Microsoft said on Thursday that it has inked deals with both Viewsonic and Acer.

The Acer deal is specific to Android, while the Viewsonic deal covers both Android and Chrome-based devices, indicating that Microsoft may also have Google’s browser-based operating system in its legal crosshairs.

For those keeping score at home, Microsoft has struck Android-related deals with HTC and a number of smaller companies, while taking legal action against Motorola and Barnes & Noble.

As I’ve noted before, this pattern looks familiar to longtime Microsoft watchers, who saw the company take a similar approach with Linux, though it was more hesitant to file suit in that instance.