Lodsys sends warnings to more Android devs

Lodsys pulled its attention back over to Android this weekend as multiple Android app developers reported getting notices of alleged infringement. Noble Master Games received one for in-app purchases in its Age of Conquest series. The patent holder has even begun sending notices without verifying its complaints, Droid Gamers saw, and sent a notice to the Trese Brothers regarding Star Traders by mistake.

"Lodsys LLC just called and said that they sent me the package [of infringement accusations] by mistake and that they would like it back," Cory Trese said. "They said 'sorry.'"

The firm, widely known to be a patent troll with no constructive business of its own, believes it owns the concepts of in-app purchases as well as some techniques surrounding e-commerce and online surveys. It started out the year by suing major firms like Adidas, Best Buy, and others but began suing iOS developers after Apple supposedly forced it to decide whether or not it believed third-party developers owed patents along with the OS developer. Many believe the campaign, which only just spread in earnest to Android, is intended to exploit small developers who don't have the resources to fight back.

Apple has been protective and motioned to intervene in Lodsys' lawsuits. Google has been conspicuously silent and has so far left developers to fend for themselves, although Lodsys has yet to sue Android app writers outright. Most hopes for both sides have rested on attempts to invalidate the patents that would nullify the lawsuits and likely force Lodsys to close shop.

Star Traders

By Electronista Staff