Well, Google actually started off with a WIN last month, because Apple's slide-to-unlock patent was invalidated in Germany. However, this wasn't a huge win. It was just one of numerous patents that Apple holds and besides, as we can see from Android smartphones nowadays, they have come up with alternative solutions.
Next came a LOSS for Google, as the ITC ruled that Android's text selection infringed on Apple's patents. This was not a major loss, but was still bad news for Google. After this ruling, Google faced some major defeats. As I have mentioned in my previous posts, several companies signed license agreement deals with Microsoft for its Android and Chrome devices. This means that these companies admitted that such devices of theirs were infringing on Microsoft's patents. While Google has not negotiated anything with Microsoft about this yet, I think we can expect to hear something about this in the near future.
There were several other cases in which Google had "minor" wins but "major" losses. Moreover, the author of this article mentions how the previous month for Google was as bad as it was for them last month. This seriously makes me raise the question, "Was Google's purchase of Motorola Mobility a waste?" I certainly hope not, not only because I like Google, but because they spent a lot of money on that.
http://www.fosspatents.com/2013/04/april-was-disastrous-for-google-on.html
It's interesting post to end the class with. You have all the major parties that in these law suits -- Goolge, Microsoft, Apple. Plus, the German injunction.
ReplyDeleteElisa,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I agree, Google's patent portfolio tactics haven't been working out recently, and I am sure Google is a big player, and these losses won't affect it as much.
I am sure google will progress with its extension of its patent portfolio as it continues to quickly acquire new patents.
ReplyDeleteGoogle is one of those companies that in spite of having minor setbacks, will eventually come out strong!
ReplyDeleteHowever, their acquisition of Motorola certainly seems like a waste, as Motorola's previous patent lawsuits are still coming out, and harming Google. Google has to bear the brunt for Motorola Mobility's past.
I think google had good inentitions purchasing Motorola. They probably just wanted to use the ip to further their own products. It is sad, that the HTC one is also losing sales wise.
ReplyDelete