20th Dec 11
BT sues Google over Android
by Katie Naylor
Engaged: BT accuse Google of stealing technology for Andriod phones
Engaged: BT accuse Google of stealing technology for Andriod phones
British Telecom is suing Google for billions of dollars because the web search giant’s operating system Android allegedly infringed six of its patents.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the US state of Delaware, is the most recent in a series of actions against Google regarding claims of intellectual property breaches, and a further indication of the increasing importance of patents in search engine’s battle for dominance.
Apple, Microsoft, eBay and Oracle have already filed lawsuits against Google or the producers of Android-based handsets, like HTC, but Google and the producers are responding with a number of counter-claims.
The lawsuit of BT is primarily based on patents which were awarded during the 1990s, and focuses on the technology of some of Android’s main functionality, including its location-based and navigation services. BT, if successful, may win a royalty on each Android phone sold.
A BT spokesman said that the patents in question are related to technologies that underpin navigation and guidance information, location-based services and personalised access to content and services. He went on to say that the telecoms giant’s continuing investment in innovation has led to it developing a large patent portfolio which is a valuable corporate asset.
Google responded by saying that they believe these allegations are without merit, and will defend against them vigorously.
Influential blogger and patent expert Florian Muller said that BT is in a fight with Google itself and not targeting a device manufacturer like others have. He explained that Android already had a lot of intellectual problems anyway, but now Google faces another large organisation which feels its rights were infringed.
Mr Muller went on to say that BT most likely wants to continue to do business with each mobile device manufacturer and therefore has opted to sue Google itself. He added that the lawsuit’s timing comes during an awkward period for Google, as it is still attempting to gain approval for its $12.5bn Motorola Mobility takeover.
The deal – which would provide Google with access to a huge library of patents, enabling it to boost its Android ecosystem’s defence – suffered a setback earlier in December, after the European Commission opted to delay its decision while it waited for further information.
Meanwhile Google is getting ready for the result of another legal dispute between HTC and Apple, viewed as a landmark patent lawsuit for companies using the Android operating system.
Apple alleges that HTC has breached 10 of its patents via the use of Android, like the technology that recognises a phone number and creates a link to call. The US International Trade Commission (ITC), in a preliminary ruling in July, ruled that HTC might be infringing two of such patents.
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