The US International Trade Commission (ITC) issued an initial determination following a patent infringement case brought by Microsoft against Motorola Mobility, which saw both companies claiming a successful outcome.

The watchdog found that Motorola has violated one of seven patents listed in the Microsoft suit, with Microsoft having already dropped two more patents from the actions.

According to a Motorola statement, “we are very pleased that the majority of the rulings were favourable to Motorola Mobility. The ALJ’s initial determination may provide clarity on the definition of the Microsoft 566 patent for which a violation was found and will help us avoid infringement of this patent in the US market.”

Citing earlier patent licensing deals with Android device makers, Microsoft told Bloomberg that “as Samsung, HTC, Acer and other companies have recognised, respecting others’ intellectual property through licensing is the right path forward.”

Motorola also used its statement to assert that Microsoft is infringing its own intellectual property portfolio, and that it has “active patent infringement litigation and proceedings against Microsoft in a number of jurisdictions, including the ITC.” It said that it “remains confident in its position and will continue to move forward with its complaints.”

The ruling is the second from the ITC related to the Android platform this week, following an earlier successful claim from Apple that various HTC products infringed its patents. Like Motorola, HTC attempted to put a positive spin on the outcome, arguing that the ruling related to “a small UI experience” which would be removed from its devices “soon.”

The latest judgement, made by the ITC’s administrative law judge, is subject to a further review. The final determination is expected by 20 April 2012, after which this too is subject to a review period by the US government.