Google countersues in Android trademark battle
updated 09:55 pm EST, Thu November 5, 2009
Search giant fights with software company
Google has filed a countersuit against Illinois entrepreneur Erich Specht over the use of the Android trademark, according to the Business Insider. Specht in 1999 launched a company, Android Data Corporation, which sold a number of software titles using the Android name. The USPTO later granted the registration for trademark protection over the name "Android Data."
Specht last year sued a number of companies for trademark infringement, demanding $100 million to compensate for damages. The original defendant list included Google, Motorola, Samsung, Sprint and Nextel, among others. The suit was dismissed against the handset makers and carriers, however the battle is still being fought between the entrepreneur and Google.
Although Google filed to register the "Android" trademark, the USPTO denied the initial requests and subsequent appeals. The company's application is now suspended.
Google argues that Specht's registration lacked proper renewal, while the software company abandoned the name from being used with its products. The search company also denies the financial allegations associated with the suit, claiming no material benefit because it does not directly sell equipment.
Both lawsuits have yet to be settled or resolved in court.
