UPDATED 09:23 EDT / AUGUST 04 2011

Patent Wars Ablaze: Google’s Outrage, Verizon’s Loss

Google has been caught in a web of lawsuits for a period of time now, and last Tuesday, it just got worse as they have been slapped with nine new lawsuits by European Union–another hit on their Android platform.   So on Wednesday, it seemed as though Google has had enough waging war not on the streets, but through blogging.

David Drummond, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, released on Wednesday a self-written blog entitled “When patents attack Android” that showcased how Google feels about all these patent infringement cases being thrown at them.  Drummond’s opening paragraph was as straight forward as anything can be, as he directly targeted Microsoft and Apple, suggesting that the two are conspiring to bring Android down.

“I have worked in the tech sector for over two decades. Microsoft and Apple have always been at each other’s throats, so when they get into bed together you have to start wondering what’s going on.”

He continued lamenting that patent buys made by Apple, Microsoft and Oracle are clear shots directed at Google, because Android is becoming increasingly popular.  Drummond also stated that these patent buys will only make Android patents become expensive, in turn making Android devices more expensive, which will cause rival devices to appear cheaper.   It seems as though Google is already fed up with everyone ganging up on them.

“We’re not naive; technology is a tough and ever-changing industry and we work very hard to stay focused on our own business and make better products. But in this instance we thought it was important to speak out and make it clear that we’re determined to preserve Android as a competitive choice for consumers, by stopping those who are trying to strangle it.”

On the other hand, Verizon is on the losing end of the patent war against Active Video.  Their war started when Verizon filed an infringement lawsuit against patents from CableVision, ActiveVideo’s number one US customer.  ActiveVideo retaliated by suing Verizon over their FiOS.  Verizon has to pay $115 million in damages to ActiveVideo.  But ActiveVideo is not yet through with Verizon, as their lawyers are going to pursue an injunction that would force Verizon to either alter its FiOS system or shut it down.

Verizon’s case is something that companies should take note of.   Just because you’re the one bringing a case to court doesn’t mean you’ll win.  Maybe Google is looking at this example to brighten up these dark days.  The lesson is, if you’re filing a case against someone, be sure you don’t have anything that can be used against you.


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