The first problem: Nokia claimed that the Google Play application in HTC phones infringed on the EP0812120 patent, which is about a method for using services offered by a telecommunication network, a telecommunication system, and a terminal for it. Nokia also sued ViewSonic for this patent as well.
The second problem: Microsoft claimed that the Google Maps application infringed on the EP0845124 patent, which is about a computer system for identifying local resources. What's interesting is that Microsoft originally made the claim only towards Motorola Mobility (a telecommunications equipment corporation owned by Google). However, Motorola Mobility asserted that they had no knowledge of how Google Maps works. Therefore, Microsoft had no choice but to sue Google, which has caused them troubles to protect itself from this potential patent infringement.
Since these are the two of the most popular applications by Google, the company was (and still is!) in an extremely critical situation. While Nokia actually lost the lawsuit against HTC involving the Google Play application, the case with Microsoft has yet to come to a conclusion.The author of this article discusses that a decision on this lawsuit will only come after two months at the earliest. Moreover, the situation does not appear to be in Google's favor. He explains how Google will most likely have to start paying royalties to Microsoft, as Samsung, HTC, LG, and many other Android device makers have already started doing so; they recognized that they were infringing upon Microsoft's patent.
http://www.fosspatents.com/2013/03/google-faces-critical-week-in-german.html
http://www.fosspatents.com/2013/03/google-about-to-lose-patent-spat-with.html
Wow! I didn't know Google was in such a grim situation. I wonder what type of royalties Microsoft will demand out of them. I'd imagine they're going to be brutal.
ReplyDeleteLuckily, both these aspects of Google's suite were only infringed upon in Germany. Since Nokia lost, and the Maps verdict is still yet to come, maybe Google is better off than we thought? Initial rumblings have Google defeating Microsoft in Germany.
ReplyDeleteI have also read that Microsoft will most likely win in the lawsuits against Google in Germany. I am interested to see if Google will change their technology in order to still be able to sell phones in Germany.
ReplyDeleteI really think Google may be forced to pay these royalties in a Germany. From Microsoft's point of view, this might be a big coup for them.
ReplyDeleteI think Google's acceptance of patent infringement was a smart move because they will avoid the massive amount of legal fees for court trials that may not even go in their favor. It will be interesting to see how much Microsoft will charge them and what they will base their pricing on.
ReplyDeleteWow another patent war involving Google. The truth of the matter is that they will probably be fine following this.
ReplyDeleteIm so confused. how come Google is only sued in Germany? I think these patent wars should be a universal thing so if it's affected in Germany it should be affected in the US as well. But nonetheless, it sucks that Google is in another patent war. However, I'm sure Google will somehow bounce back to improve their applications.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, since I just read on Yuliya's blog that Google is getting positive publicity for donating patents.
ReplyDeleteI also agree, Google seems to be in the wrong here. Though it just seems that because everyone is suing everyone else, everyone is just trading money.
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