Microsoft expands its Azure program for IoT startups

Microsoft has expanded its Azure Intellectual Property Advantage programme to include benefits for Internet of Things innovators and startups. The latest expansion of the Azure programme, which was introduced in 2017, is aimed at deterring lawsuits against Azure customers from Internet of Things industries. The move to expand the programme is due to Microsoft’s view on the “growing risk to cloud innovation from patent lawsuits”. According to Microsoft’s figures, the number of Internet of Things litigated patents in the US saw an increase of over 400 percent between 2013 and 2018.