REDMOND, Wash., and TAMPA, Fla. — June 28, 2016 — On Tuesday, Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC and Luna Mobile announced a new patent partnership that will expand smartphone and tablet technology for customers around the world.

This patent collaboration comes as Luna Mobile prepares to release a new line of smartphones and telecommunication services later this year. While the contents of the deal are confidential, the companies said Microsoft will receive royalties from Luna under the agreement.

“Microsoft is committed to empowering people all over the world to increase their productivity, and that’s what this new collaboration with Luna Mobile is all about,” said Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing. “Luna Mobile is at an exciting place right now, and its partnership with Microsoft on patents will usher in the kind of innovation needed to deliver enhanced features and user experiences for customers all over the world.”

“We are very happy to partner with Microsoft, a worldwide leader in the mobile and tablet experience,” said Todd Walker, CEO and president of Luna Mobile. “When we launch later this year, we look forward to providing distributors and consumers with the best and most cost-effective mobile devices and technology currently available. Collaboration with companies like Microsoft has helped tum our vision into a reality.”

“All of us at Luna look forward to a long-term and productive relationship with Microsoft,” said James Mayiras, Luna’s chief innovation officer. “It provides a great foundation for us to expand upon as we build a global brand.”

Microsoft’s commitment to licensing IP

The patent agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant technology ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, it has entered into more than 1,200 licensing agreements.

About Luna Mobile Inc.

Luna Mobile, Inc. was formed to market a line of mobile smartphones, telecommunication service, and related accessories under the LUNA™ brand. The company will be launching 5 different smartphones this year ranging in price from $139 to $459. Luna’s two manufacturing partners are among just a handful of Chinese ODMs that can manufacture at the volume level Luna will require for global market penetration. With over 1,000 engineers and quality control personnel, Luna’s manufacturing partners have worked for years with the leading chipset and component providers, garnering an industry-wide reputation for producing the highest quality electronic products.