Microsoft and Dell announced on March 28 that they have entered a patent licensing agreement that will allow the firms to "build on each other's innovations." The companies chose not to reveal much detail, but mentioned Android, Chrome OS and Xbox products, according to The Next Web.

The terms of the agreement entail Dell paying royalties to Microsoft for products built using intellectual property related to Android or Chrome OS, and Microsoft will be "on consideration to Dell for a license for Xbox gaming consoles." This opens new avenues of innovation for both companies.

"Our agreement with Dell shows what can be accomplished when companies share intellectual property," Horacio Gutierrez, Microsoft's corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, said in a statement. "We have been partnering with technology manufacturers and vendors for many years to craft licensing deals, instead of litigation strategies."

Dell chimed in with its own comments.

"Today's announcement builds on our history of collaborating to bring new technologies to market," Dell's Vice President of End User Computing Products Neil Hand said. "The relationship between Dell and Microsoft continues to help Dell deliver choice and flexibility to customers looking for the best technology to meet their needs."