Android Patent Wars Weekly: Twitter's Truce, Samsung vs Apple and Mediation
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
Background
The post was a weekly summary of articles on the legal fights around Android. That week the Oracle v. Google Java case produced a lot of coverage, and the writer admitted to being overwhelmed by it and pointed readers to other sources. The rest of the roundup focused on four stories.
Twitter’s patent pledge
Twitter announced an agreement for its employees. Engineers and designers normally sign contracts that hand any patents filed on their work over to the company, which can then use or sell them however it likes. Under Twitter’s Innovator’s Patent Agreement, the company said patents would be used only as a shield, not as a weapon. It would not use them for offensive moves.
The writer called it a grand gesture and hoped others would follow, but was not very hopeful. Samsung and Motorola probably started with similar intentions, the writer suggested, and had to adapt after other firms won cases.
Samsung’s eight patents against Apple
Samsung brought eight more patents into its fight with Apple, in a case Apple was pressing in North America with the goal of removing Nexus models from sale. The list, as relayed in the post, covered these subjects:
| Patent | Subject |
|---|---|
| 7,756,087 | Non-scheduled transmission on an enhanced uplink data channel |
| 7,551,596 | Signalling control information for uplink packet data |
| 7,672,470 | Volume control for external audio using remote control buttons |
| 7,577,757 | Multimedia synchronization |
| 7,232,058 | Data display apparatus |
| 6,292,179 | Software keyboard using stylus trace on a touch screen |
| 6,226,449 | Recording and reproducing digital image and speech |
| 5,579,239 | Remote video transmission |
The accused products ranged from specific models such as the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and the new iPad to broad groups such as all iPhones, iPads and iPod touches. Some patents were also said to cover Apple computers, Apple TV, iCloud and iTunes. A few were declared essential to a standard, and several were acquired from other parties.
Motorola and Apple in Germany
An article argued that Motorola’s enforcement against Apple in Germany could cost German taxpayers millions, because of the court time involved. The writer noted that licensing demands might exceed $5 per handset in some cases, or lead to a whole product line being pulled, which reduces choice for buyers. This was one suit in one country, in a place the writer said had been pushing for more legal action.
CEO settlement talks
The Apple and Samsung chief executives were set to meet in San Francisco for settlement talks. This was not a voluntary step: the judge strongly suggested it. The writer saw little chance of success, expecting both sides to leave quickly and go on to trial, with Apple unwilling to concede and Samsung proud after earlier legal losses. Even a deal would settle only one case of dozens. What actually happened is not stated in the original post.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Innovator's Patent Agreement?
It is a commitment by a company that patents from its employees will be used only defensively.
Why were the CEOs meeting?
A judge strongly suggested court-ordered mediation to try to settle the dispute.
Is this news current?
No. It reflects a single week during the early smartphone patent wars.