We have heard much about Lodsys, the company who has been suing smaller Android and iOS developers. The last thing we heard was that Apple was intervening in the case between Lodsys and the developers.
Now it looks like Lodsys has decided to start suing some of the larger game developers for Apple’s iOS and Android, as they have filed lawsuits against Rovio Mobile, the creators of the massively popular Angry Birds game series for iOS devices and Android.
Rovio Mobile are not alone, as Lodsys is also suing Electronic Arts, for Sims 3 for the iPhone, Atari for Greatest Hits for iPhone and Atari’s Greatest Hits for iPad, Square Enix for Big Hit Baseball for iPhone and Big Hit Baseball for iPad and Take-Two Interactive for 2K Sports NHL 2K11 for iPhone.
The Scope of Lodsys’ Legal Actions
Lodsys’ legal actions have raised significant concerns within the developer community. The company claims that these developers are infringing on patents related to in-app purchasing and other functionalities. This has led to a wave of anxiety among developers, both large and small, who fear that they might be next in line for litigation. The patents in question are often broad and cover fundamental aspects of app functionality, making it difficult for developers to avoid potential infringement.
Apple is obviously looking to stop Lodsys from suing individual developers of iOS games and software through the courts, as it holds license agreements with Lodsys for in-app purchases. Apple’s intervention is crucial because it not only protects its ecosystem but also reassures developers who contribute to the App Store’s success. However, what about Google, as a number of Android developers are being sued as well? We still haven’t heard anything from the search giant relating to these court cases against Android developers. Google’s silence on this matter is puzzling, especially given the importance of the Android ecosystem and the potential impact on its developers.
Implications for the Mobile App Industry
The lawsuits by Lodsys could have far-reaching implications for the mobile app industry. If Lodsys is successful in its legal pursuits, it could set a precedent that encourages other patent holders to take similar actions. This could lead to a stifling of innovation, as developers might become hesitant to implement new features for fear of litigation. Smaller developers, in particular, could be disproportionately affected, as they often lack the resources to fight lengthy and expensive legal battles.
Moreover, the legal battles could lead to increased costs for developers, which might be passed on to consumers in the form of higher app prices or more in-app purchases. This could ultimately affect the user experience and the overall attractiveness of mobile platforms.
Take a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you. This ongoing legal saga highlights the complexities and challenges faced by developers in the rapidly evolving mobile app industry.
Source Foss Patents
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