Given the motivation behind Google's proposed acquisition of Motorola is reportedly a desire to get its hands on the firm's 17,000 strong patent library, it's not surprising Eric Schmidt is now willing to talk bullishly about the legal disputes facing Android OEMs.

The Google chairman has claimed the company is willing to stand side by side with its Android partners embroiled in legal disputes, telling journalists Google has already offered support in legal contests against Apple.

Soft support?

"We tell our partners, including the ones here in Taiwan, we will support them," Schmidt said during a visit to Asia, according to Reuters.

"For example we have been supporting HTC in its dispute with Apple because we think that the Apple thing is not correct."

A clarification of Schmidt's statement, however, reveals that said support won't come in the form of financial backing, but rather access to Google's patent library and testimony.

How much help that support will serve up is unclear.

Samsung is currently contesting a total of 20 lawsuits with Apple, which has resulted in its devices being banned from sale in territories around the globe, threatening both its hand in the Android market, and more widely, Google's assault on iOS – particularly in terms of iPad's current dominance.

[source: mocoNews]