If other companies with these two-bit patents managed to extort as large amounts of money from the phone manufacturers, it'd become impossible to make Android phones at competitive prices. There isn't much difference between that and outright banning.
Are you sure they are really all two-bit patents? Microsoft has been making mobile devices since the era of "handheld PCs" back in the mid 90s, and smartphones -- starting with Pocket PC Phone Edition -- since 2002. It would be surprising if they didn't have a strong IP portfolio in the area.
P.S. (not directed at you, jsnell) Is there really anything that warrants downvoting my original post other than an unpopular viewpoint?
