Yesterday, Google’s David Drummond, who is Google’s Chief Legal Officer and also the company’s Senior Vice President, posted an article on the Google Blog, with the title ‘When patents attack Android’.
The article criticized Microsoft, Apple, and Oracle over the recent patents which were purchased by a consortium of companies from Nortel Networks relating to mobile technology. The article also said that the patents were purchased in an attempt to block Google’s Android OS. Drummond argued that these companies were using the patent system to stifle innovation and competition, particularly targeting the Android ecosystem, which has been growing rapidly and gaining significant market share.
The Patent Wars: A Closer Look
The acquisition of Nortel’s patents by the consortium, which included Microsoft, Apple, and Oracle, was seen as a strategic move to control key technologies and potentially hinder competitors. Patents in the tech industry, especially those related to mobile technology, are incredibly valuable as they can cover essential features and functionalities. By owning these patents, companies can demand licensing fees or even block the use of certain technologies by competitors.
Drummond’s article highlighted the aggressive nature of these patent acquisitions, suggesting that they were not just about protecting intellectual property but were also a means to limit the growth of Android. He pointed out that the cost of licensing these patents could make it more expensive for manufacturers to use Android, thereby making it less attractive compared to other operating systems.
Microsoft’s Response
In response to Drummond’s claims, Microsoft’s general counsel Brad Smith took to Twitter to provide a counter-narrative. Smith stated that Microsoft had actually invited Google to bid on the patents jointly, but Google declined the offer. His tweet read:
Google says we bought Novell patents to keep them from Google. Really? We asked them to bid jointly with us. They said no.
This response from Microsoft suggests that Google had the opportunity to collaborate and share the patents, which could have mitigated the competitive disadvantage that Drummond described. However, Google’s decision to not participate in the joint bid raises questions about their strategy and intentions in the patent landscape.
The patent wars in the tech industry are not new, but they have intensified with the rise of mobile technology. Companies are increasingly using patents as weapons to gain an edge over competitors. This has led to a complex web of litigation and licensing agreements that can stifle innovation and increase costs for consumers.
Source Daring Fireball
Image Credit Dennis Woo / Flickr
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
