Patent war goes nuclear: Microsoft, Apple-owned “Rockstar” sues Google
In 2011, Microsoft, Apple, RIM, Ericsson, and Sony (basically everyone not in the Android camp in the mobile handset business) teamed up to buy Nortel’s patent portfolio. Today they filed a suit to recoup some of that investment, suing Google and six Android handset makers for patent infringement. Interestingly, they’re not suing them for violating a telecommunications patent, but rather for patents related to search advertising. I hope Google fights this one to the bitter end and wins.
(And yes, I know that Google has been on the offensive side in patent lawsuits as well. My stance is simple. I’m for the utter collapse of the patent system, and failing that for the defendant in every case.)
November 3, 2013 at 4:59 pm
I wonder if MS, Apple, RIM, Ericsson and Sony were violating these patents before they purchased Nortel’s portfolio?
November 3, 2013 at 8:47 pm
I’m sure that they were. I think everybody is violating somebody’s patent with everything that they make. (Indeed, you’re better off never looking for patent violations before creating things “willful” patent violations can result in treble damages.