AfterDawn: News

Microsoft fires back at Google over patent dispute

Yesterday, Google came out guns blazing, calling out Oracle, Microsoft and Apple, accusing them of trying to stifle Android growth and development with their lawsuits based on "bogus patents."

The post went on to list all the ways rival companies are trying to attack Android, including Microsoft's continued lawsuits to get $15 licensing fees per Android device, Microsoft's purchase of Novell patents, the CPTN's (Apple, RIM, others) $4.5 billion purchase of 6000 Nortel patents to make sure Google didn't get them, and Apple's current suits against Samsung and Motorola over Android devices.



Last night, Microsoft came back, crushing Google's argument with one email.

Frank Shaw, Microsoft Head of Communications, posted one email from Google SVP Kent Walker that proves that Microsoft asked Google upfront to be a purchasing partner on the Novell patents, and that Google declined:

Brad [Smith, Microsoft General Counsel]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you — I came down with a 24-hour bug on the way back from San Antonio. After talking with people here, it sounds as though for various reasons a joint bid wouldn’t be advisable for us on this one. But I appreciate your flagging it, and we’re open to discussing other similar opportunities in the future.

I hope the rest of your travels go well, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

– Kent

Oracle, Apple, RIM and others may not have an argument to counter Google's, but Microsoft sure did.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 4 Aug 2011 13:09

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• 11 comments

• nizers99

  HAHAHA... backfired in your face Google.
  

  4.8.2011 14:16 #1

• deak91

  yes and no ... Google wanted it to stay in more understandable terms free and open to create innovation teaming up with them meant that all parties would have to agree or vote on fees and such Google would always be out voted and thus put an end to any other phone operating systems that would be better or compete with ms or apple
  

  4.8.2011 19:19 #2

• statomike

  That isn't a response to Google's accusations. If anything, it's a rebuttal of the validity of the patents as innovation-supporting techniques.
  
  It isn't firing back so much as spitting. "Crushing Google's argument," really? Someone isn't a fan of the big G, eh? Do you rely on hyperbole because you can't think of anything else to write about?
  
  Oh, actually it just looks lazily similar to Techcrunch's Google Threw A Punch, Microsoft Fires Back With A Missile.
  

  4.8.2011 21:06 #3

• llongtheD

  Seems as though these big corporations have figured out a way to circumvent being charged as a monopoly, by banding together and purchasing patents. No matter which way you look at it, it will stifle innovation.
  Can you say cartel? Not that a cartel is a bad thing, look how great the oil cartel has been for us.
  

  If your fish seems sick, put it back in the water.

  4.8.2011 22:23 #4

• nonoitall

  OSnews' article had an interesting analysis of Microsoft's 'comeback', for those interested.
  

  me on the Dragon Ball Encyclopedia
  me on YouTube

  5.8.2011 02:09 #5

• dali

  Originally posted by nonoitall: OSnews' article had an interesting analysis of Microsoft's 'comeback', for those interested.
  Great info. Thanks a lot.
  

  “You know, it seems that quotes on the internet are becoming less and less reliable.” -Abraham Lincoln.

  5.8.2011 15:27 #6

• drhanaba

  Originally posted by llongtheD: Seems as though these big corporations have figured out a way to circumvent being charged as a monopoly, by banding together and purchasing patents. No matter which way you look at it, it will stifle innovation.
  Can you say cartel? Not that a cartel is a bad thing, look how great the oil cartel has been for us. This just shows that they will file a lawsuit in a heartbeat! However, they try to restrict you and me, by calling our lawsuits frivilous???

  5.8.2011 16:46 #7

• cdm69

  does it mean Nortel employees will see some of that money?

  5.8.2011 17:00 #8

• Mrguss

  @ nonoitall
  I like your Link
  
  Originally posted by nizers99: HAHAHA... backfired in your face Google. For Your Eyes Only......
  http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20110805154137803&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackernewsyc+%28Hacker+News+YC%29
  

  +4000

  6.8.2011 04:15 #9

• Mr.Blah (unverified)

  Originally posted by llongtheD: Seems as though these big corporations have figured out a way to circumvent being charged as a monopoly, by banding together and purchasing patents. No matter which way you look at it, it will stifle innovation.
  Can you say cartel? Not that a cartel is a bad thing, look how great the oil cartel has been for us. Don't forget about the Central Banking Cartel as well that has gotten the whole world into debt through fiat currency printed out of thin air.

  11.8.2011 22:25 #10

• llongtheD

  Originally posted by Mr.Blah: Originally posted by llongtheD: Seems as though these big corporations have figured out a way to circumvent being charged as a monopoly, by banding together and purchasing patents. No matter which way you look at it, it will stifle innovation.
  Can you say cartel? Not that a cartel is a bad thing, look how great the oil cartel has been for us. Don't forget about the Central Banking Cartel as well that has gotten the whole world into debt through fiat currency printed out of thin air. Your absolutely right, I just thought the oil cartel was more identifiable to most.
  They are getting bolder all the time unfortunately.
  

  If your fish seems sick, put it back in the water.

  12.8.2011 19:03 #11