The smartphone/tablet market giants – Apple, Google and Samsung have kept fighting amongst themselves for long. There is a long range of lawsuits these companies have filed against each other. Someway along the way, these lawsuits come up with twists we haven’t imagined till date. One such twist is U.S. Circuit judge Richard A. Posner ruling that Google has to hand over Android development data to Apple. And, as if that was not enough, they also have to disclose the details of the 12.5 billion $ Motorola takeover which is like pouring salt over their wounds.
“The Android/Motorola acquisition discovery is highly relevant to Apple’s claims and defenses. Motorola shall be expected to obtain full and immediate compliance by Google with Apple’s liability discovery demands.” Say Apple’s attorneys and Judge Posner told Bloomberg.
The fight between Apple and Google started pretty long ago. Steve Jobs had mentioned in his autobiography that he would ‘destroy’ Android. While that was not to be this might just give Apple a necessary loophole to stay ahead.
This case, under Posner, is currently in the trial courts where back-to back hearings are going on under separate juries. One addresses 3 Motorola patents, while another will address 6 Apple hearings.
Motorola and Google, on the other hand are trying to make themselves some time rather than posting information. This typical response will give you an idea,” Google’s employees and documents are not within the ‘possession, custody, or control’ of Motorola, and Motorola cannot force Google to produce documents or witnesses over Google’s objections.”
Basically what they are trying to do is cause the necessary delay till their case comes to court.
But why do such big companies fight like children? Why is everything an issue with Apple?
My guess is nothing is what it really seems like. See, the first thing is it allows one to stay ahead of the competition and guarantees publicity, bad or good. Secondly, technology might have become so inter-mingled that it is hard to differentiate when you are violating a patent!