Oracle Files Lawsuit Against Google For Patent, Copyright Infringement

Oracle may be known for making database software, but it also happens to have acquired the Java computer programming language and related technology when it purchased Sun Microsystems. Now the company is suing Google for using those technologies in Android.

Oracle’s lawsuit claims that Google infringed on seven patents and violated copyrights by using Java technology in the Android operating system.

There aren’t many more details beyond that, but it does appear that Oracle is seeking an injunction to stop Google from building and distributing Android – that, and some cold, hard cash. [MSNBC]

Discuss

(6 Comments)
  • [–]

    matt

    Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:47 AM

    just another reason why Java is lame…

    Reply
  • [–]

    Robbie

    Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:48 AM

    Read the full detail here: http://scr.bi/9Qtav5

    Reply
  • [–]

    DoctorOwl

    Friday, August 13, 2010 at 12:58 PM

    I thought Java was free?

    Reply
  • [–]

    Bernhard de Kok

    Friday, August 13, 2010 at 1:05 PM

    A lot of people are confused on this one, mostly because they wonder how it be wrong to use java if it is open source.

    The thing as I understand it is that Google didn’t use the GPL’d open source version of Java, instead, they copied/cloned it with their own version. Copying it means they’ll run foul of any patents that are on the Java language. This is not the same as using the GPL’d Java source. So if you make a copy and infringe on the patents, you have to licence them.

    The other thing it seems Google has done (alleged) is USE parts of the GPL’d Java source in their copy of java. Now that is a real No-No with GPL’d code.

    This doesn’t look good for Google, they’ll most likely have to pay up big for something they give away for free. Or there is the (VERY) slim chance that all use of Android is halted.

    Oracle is REALLY strong when it comes to this type of legal action.

    Let’s hope this is all sorted out soon. Android should be allowed to run its own course.

    Reply
  • [–]

    Kif

    Friday, August 13, 2010 at 1:59 PM

    So… they wait until Android outsells all the competition before they file suit. Must be to help pay for the defense in their indictment of fraud case.

    Reply
    • [–]

      QMan

      Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 2:53 AM

      …or to pay for Larry’s next America’s Cup challenge.

      Reply

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