The verdict is in for the Oracle vs Google trial on whether Java was used improperly in the development of Android. The answer? Yes, sort of.
The jury ruled that Oracle has proven that Google’s admitted use of Java was infringing on Oracle’s API. Specific portions of code were ruled as infringing Oracle’s copyright or not, but the decision states that the overall structure and sequence of Java had been infringed. There was no decision on whether it fell under fair use. Google’s already moved for a mistrial on the grounds that the verdict could not include partial answers.
Here’s the thing, though: Android is not in any serious danger here. There will probably be many more months of trials and appeals and proceedings before we get down to anything final, and then it will probably be a large settlement. [Twitter]