[rbanffy]

Google having few patents is not relevant in the case Microsoft's patents are invalid. And every manufacturer who is yet to be extorted should pool the resources they set aside for licensing Microsoft's IP to invalidate Microsoft's patents for less money than would otherwise be needed (and to reap profits from the inevitable countersuit).

[sorbus]

Entirely relevant: It's way easier to threaten an opponent with an extremely long legal war that would be quite damaging to them (and then come up with a cross-licensing deal) than it is to engage in a long legal war to invalidate patents.

Sure, it's not the best thing to do, but it's better for all concerned.

[rbanffy]

I'd cut Microsoft's access to Google. Let them try to function with only Bing results ;-)