Microsoft is looking to up its artillery against its Google and Apple rivals by agreeing to share its patents with smartphone and tablet maker Samsung.

Under the agreement between the companies, Microsoft will receive royalties from Samsung for every smartphone and tablet that operates on Android. The two companies will also cooperate on the marketing and development of Windows Phone, according to a Reuters report.

Microsoft has been creating strong alliances with mobile phone manufacturers in an effort to usurp Apple and Google’s market share.  In February of 2011 Nokia announced it will be banking on the Windows Phone platform instead of the ubiquitous Google Android OS.

Early 2012 Nokia is expected to release its range of Windows Phone, and with the 7.5 update for the platform currently rolling out, and more manufacturers shifting their concentration from Android to Microsoft, the platform is expected to become a worthy rival for Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS.

Samsung will also benefit from the deal, seeking refuge from litigation after Apple took the company to court in 21 cases around the world for ‘slavishly’ copying the design traits of its beloved iPhone and iPad.

As a result the company’s Galaxy S2 flagship phone has been banned in most of Europe, with its 10.1 tablet banned in Germany as well. In Australia, a court case dealing with the matter is currently undergoing, but during the interim Samsung’s 10.1 will go on sale from the 30th of September, 2011.