Microsoft Corp. has sued Motorola Inc. for allegedly infringing on the software gaint's nine patents in its Android smartphones.

"The patents at issue relate to a range of functionality embodied in Motorola's Android smartphone devices, including synchronizing email, calendars and contacts, scheduling meetings, and notifying applications of changes in signal strength and battery power," Microsoft Corporate Vice President Horacio Gutierrez said.

The company has filed the action at the International Trade Commission and the US District Court in Washington, Microsoft said in a statement.

Microsoft said it has a responsibility towards its customers, partners, and shareholders to safeguard the billions of dollars invested each year in bringing the innovative software products and services to market.

The company also warned that Motorola needs to stop infringing on Microsoft's patented inventions in its Android smartphones.