It used to be something of a joke that Microsoft made more money from Android OEMs than it made from the sales of Windows Phone.
According to IP lawyer Florian Mueller, however, the massed ranks of companies that are in the process of suing over Android's alleged patent infringements just isn't funny for those attempting to build a longterm business.
Big business
Even before Fujifilm decided to get involved, the combined market capitalisation of Apple, Oracle, Microsoft, Gemalto, BT and Nokia is over $1 trillion.
Google's market cap is around $200 billion, Motorola was bought for $12.5 billion and Samsung Electronic's market cap is around $150 billion.
Perhaps more worrying for Google and Android licencees such as Samsung and the Google-owned Motorola, the majority of these cases have gone against or seem to be going against Android.
Combined with an attitude within Google that Mueller describes as 'different states of denial', and things could get very expensive for all concerned, ironically as Android's share of the smartphone market continues to grow and grow.
[source: Foss Patents]
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A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.
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