Microsoft sues Samsung over 2011 smartphone licensing deal

Microsoft has fired a legal salvo at long-time partner Samsung, accusing the South Korean giant of breaching a contract over licensing of technology used in the smartphone market.

"After becoming the leading player in the worldwide smartphone market, Samsung decided late last year to stop complying with its agreement with Microsoft," the US technology firm's lawyer said.

The complaint filed in New York alleges Samsung is baulking at making payments for patented Microsoft technology used in smartphones and tablets.

"We will review the complaint in detail and determine appropriate measures in response," Samsung said.

Microsoft contends the South Korean consumer electronics giant is not adhering to a contract from 2011, saying it filed the court action after months of "painstaking negotiation".

The legal pact involved Samsung paying to use Microsoft intellectual property, according to lawyer David Howard.