Google Claims Foul Over Android Source Code

August 19, 2011

Google has long-suffered for their open-source philosophy when it comes to Android. The innocent innovating tech pioneers have continually touted Android as a gift to the masses and free for all to tinker with and modify. At least that is the company line. They recently accused Microsoft of sharing their very secret code-source with Motorola as reported in the article, Google Accuses Microsoft of Revealing ‘Highly Confidential Source Code’, on BGR.

Microsoft has been systematically going after every manufacturer of cell phones with the Android platform, suing them for patent infringement, and settling with licensing fees allowing them – Microsoft – to make out like bandits on Google’s technology. Microsoft holds over 18,000 patents versus Google’s measly 700.

Motorola is just the latest target on Microsoft patent war path and Google’s lack of patent power has forced the Google gang to get creative in their strategies to defend the little guys using Android. According to Paid Content,

The spat over this source code is a reminder that Google is still heavily involved in these patent proxy-battles over Android, even when it’s not a party to the case. And the search giant is ready, willing, and able to assist handset makers who are tangling with Microsoft in court and at the ITC.

Whether or not the U.S. International Trade Commission will agree with Google’s protests is yet to be seen, but what is clear is that with or without a hefty patent portfolio, Google’s not going to let Microsoft whittle away at Android’s profits. Their commitment to Android-using phone manufacturers is admirable, but unless they fatten up their patent purse, they will not be able to win the war.

Will buying Motorola Mobility make the patent pain go away. Google may have to buy another headache medicine.

Catherine Lamsfuss, August 19, 2011

Sponsored by Pandia.com, publishers of The New Landscape of Enterprise Search

Written by Stephen E. Arnold · Filed Under Business strategy, Google, Legal matters, Microsoft, News, Technology

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Stephen E. Arnold monitors search, content processing, text mining and related topics from his high-tech nerve center in rural Kentucky. He tries to winnow the goose feathers from the giblets. He works with colleagues worldwide to make this Web log useful to those who want to go "beyond search". Contact him at sa [at] arnoldit.com. His Web site with additional information about search is arnoldit.com.