Battle of the Giants: Google Files Patent Claim Against Motorola and Nokia
The digital wars continue to rage on as Google files a patent claim against Microsoft and Nokia; accusing the brands of siphoning mobile copyrights to a technology troll in an attempt to drive up mobile prices and other wireless devices. Microsoft has responded to the accusation by labelling Google’s move a “desperate tactic”. The brand has criticised Google for drafting their patent claim and antitrust complaint, saying it was negligible considering the mogul controls “95% of mobile search and advertising.” A Nokia spokesperson refused to comment on the issue.
Involved in the patent claim, the European Commission, the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission will have to deal with the legal wrangle between the Internet giants. Put in the middle of the power-play to control the rapidly growing market for mobile computing, an international law firm will need to adequately handle Google’s dispute that there is antitrust in the smartphone industry.
At the heart of the problem, major brands are guilty of failing to comply with FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) licensing obligations. In the case of each company, all hold patents that are considered essential to the industry, and should be making every effort to license their patented technologies – even to their rivals.
Causing a fair amount of heat, the interpretation of Google’s patent claim is an example of the competitive edge that dictates brand communications and dealings. Google hopes that their case against MOSAID, Microsoft and Nokia will spur others to look into shady technology trolling practices.