It’s been a long and drawn out battle between Oracle and Google, and now we finally have a verdict concerning whether Google really did infringe on Oracle’s patents with its Android operating system. The jury has decided that Google has not infringed on Oracle’s patents, which is a surprising win for the search giant.
The verdict pertained to two specific patents, RE38,104 and 6,061,520, and we can imagine that the search giant is pretty relieved, especially since the partial verdict made earlier this month was in Oracle’s favor. Since both the first and second phases of the trials were unanimous, the jury has been dismissed and there will not be a phase three in the case.
The Verge reached out to both companies to get official statements, which are found below.
Oracle – Oracle presented overwhelming evidence at trial that Google knew it would fragment and damage Java. We plan to continue to defend and uphold Java’s core write once run anywhere principle and ensure it is protected for the nine million Java developers and the community that depend on Java compatibility.
Google – Today’s jury verdict that Android does not infringe Oracle’s patents was a victory not just for Google but the entire Android ecosystem.
While this is quite the victory for Google itself, there are still many surround manufacturers that make Android smartphones. While Google won’t have to face the wraith of Oracle for now, its partners are still under fire, with handfuls of companies tries to end Android’s reign.
Even with the newly acquired trove of patents under its belt, Google and its partners will likely never be in short supply of patent trolls – justified or not.
[Via: TheVerge]