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Patent wars are still raging in plenty of parts of the tech world, but today there’s something of a ceasefire between Google and Microsoft. Google has just filed with the ITC in the US to stop attempts to prevent Microsoft from using certain compression techniques with the Xbox 360.
Microsoft wants to license a pair of patents that Google now owns through their acquisition of Motorola but hasn’t quite been keen on Google’s licensing terms. The FTC recently ruled against Google for anti-competitive behaviour in using these specific patents, but didn’t explicitly say whether or not cases in progress need to be dropped. And it seems like Google has just gone ahead and bit the proverbial bullet, at least in this instance.
Google’s still got some ongoing spats with Microsoft in specific places like Washington state and Germany, the filing from today doesn’t apply to either of those locations. Still, it seems to imply that Google is backing off—at least a little bit—after that slap from the FTC in the US. It’s also dropped some cases against Apple that involve the Motorola patents. It’s definitely not the end of patent wars in any way shape or form, but it is one less legal volley in the mix, and that’s probably a good thing. [AllThingsD]
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The opportunity cost to Google of having to licence some of its patents under FRAND terms is much less damaging than an ongoing FTC investigation would have been. El Goog are probably quite happy with this outcome.
They will still most probably get spanked by the EU, who are much harsher than the FTC. Taking money from companies wether they deserve it or not is the EU’s favourite hobby.
Well, they do have to find the money to pay for their lunch banquets in Brussels.
It may be that the patent wars are moving on from stage one – “We patented that and you can’t use it” to stage two – “We think this price is fair and reasonable to use our patent so cough up”. Hope Apple gets the memo.
this is what patents are for. so you can make money off of your ideas. IMO it should not be possible to force any product off shelf with a patent suit. they should only be for damages and or license fees. and thats it.
make money, not war
Agreed, the only problem is what is a “fair and reasonable” price for the patents in question. This was the issue that Google & Microsoft were fighting about.