It seems Apple’s been making calls on their competitors long before their recent suit against HTC.  The technologies in question?  Multitouch seems to be the most important IP Apple seeks to protect, while dozens of other iPhone-related patents also are in place.

From the report:

• “The HTC suit, which is recognized as a proxy battle against Google, is causing OEMs to re-examine the strategy of relying overmuch on Android, lest it prove vulnerable in terms of core IP,” he wrote. “This concern comes atop pre-existing misgivings about Google’s end-game in wireless. (to commoditize the OEMs? To arrogate all value-added services?)”  The conflict, Reiner said, has created an opportunity for Microsoft’s newly unveiled Windows Phone 7 Series, due to launch this fall. Microsoft has also told potential customers it would support them legally if they, like HTC, were hit with a lawsuit over intellectual property.

Now we get to see just how much Microsoft will ante up against Apple’s patent base at a time the two seem to be building alliances.  Looks like we could be headed for another settlement similar to the technology agreement made over a decade ago between the two which sent millions (and a commitment to continue updating Microsoft Office for Mac) to Apple.

As for Google, that relationship seems headed south.

More: Apple’s patent ‘warning shots’ prove disruptive for handset makers.