Thursday, July 21, 2011

FOSS Patents: Google blinks in Oracle patent case, indicates willingness to pay

Analysis of recent developments in the Oracle/Google Java lawsuit (via Techmeme).  I assume Oracle still wants Java to thrive, and that it will eventually settle; perhaps it will be able to recoup its entire Sun Microsystems acquisition expense through this type of intellectual property licensing deal

Before I start my more detailed analysis of that update on the ongoing reexaminations, let me quote and comment on the two most interesting tidbits from the filing:

  • The biggest news is that Google, which has so far dismissed Oracle's assertions as if they had no merit whatsoever, has for the first time indicated in public (i.e., in a public court filing) its willingness to settle this case with Oracle. In a fundamental departure from the positions it previously articulated in its public filings and its public statements, Google clearly blinks. Here's the sentence I mean -- it makes references to Google's proposal to require Oracle to narrow the case for the sake of efficiency (unless it's stayed, which Google would prefer):

    "Such a narrowed case will also eliminate the need for those efforts specifically directed at the claims rejected through reexamination, including motion practice, expert reports, and other trial preparation, as well as make it more likely that the parties could reach an informal resolution of the matter."

FOSS Patents: Google blinks in Oracle patent case, indicates willingness to pay

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