Google ready to enter Apple vs. Samsung legal battles?
updated 05:00 pm EDT, Mon July 2, 2012
Search giant may react to Galaxy Nexus ban
Google has allegedly vowed to back Samsung in the Korean handset maker's ongoing legal battles with Apple, unnamed sources have told the Korea Times. Although Google so far has taken an indirect role in defending device makers that utilize its Android platform, the recent injunction focused on Galaxy Nexus sales, handed down in a California court, is said to have pushed the search giant to deepen its involvement.
If upheld and enforced, the Galaxy Nexus ban would represent one of the most significant injunctions to result from legal disputes in the smartphone realm. Apple successfully pushed for a sales ban on the original Galaxy Tab 10.1, however the ruling was limited to Germany (until recently) and the tablet had already been succeeded by newer models.
Apple is currently involved in several lawsuits and countersuits with top Android hardware makers Samsung, HTC and Motorola. Google made an attempt to assist HTC by sharing several patents to wield against Apple, however the patents were recently tossed from the case.
"It's too early to comment on our game plan (with Google) in the legal battle; but we will do our best to get more royalties from Apple, which has benefited from our technology," the latest source said. "The fight is becoming more dramatic and the possibility of a truce in the form of a cross-licensing deal, seems to be becoming likely."
Google has yet to comment on the rumors, which have yet to be independently verified. Even if the reports are accurate, it remains unclear if Google will attempt to become involved in the current lawsuits or attempt to participate in fresh cases filed against the iPhone maker.
Samsung has already filed a notice of appeal in the Galaxy Nexus case, opening the possibility that the courts may delay the inunction until the legal proceedings move to the next step. The potential sales ban has fueled speculation that Apple may widen its legal action against Samsung, as the Galaxy Nexus dispute centers around a search feature that the Korean company utilizes in other Android devices.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2004
I don't know what is funnier
Samsung's serial delusions or Google encouraging them to go out and fight some more.
First Samsung acts indignant and claims that they did not copy anything from Apple. Instead, insisting that they spent billions on "research", to come out with iPhone and iPad clones. Now, they continue to think that they are going to be able to force Apple into cross-licensing (by losing). Maybe something was lost in translation from English to Korean and back.
Google is acting like the bully's little toadie. They haven't done anything of value in any case, except for their goofy public interest (really self-interest) letter to the ITC. That got HTC a long reprieve before the injunction kicked in. With HTC's subsequent actions, and Motorola/Google's belligerence to courts and anti-trust agencies of the US and EU, I don't think that act will work again.