Microsoft To Blow Up Android?
Microsoft makes no secret of the fact that it hates Android. It considers it an inferior OS for tablets and phones -- and is trying to build superior tablets and phones to prove it.
That's not Redmond's only approach. Microsoft also has patents that it claims Android violates, and is trying to get Android device makers such as Barnes & Noble to pony up.
In a market as competitive as tablets, margins are everything, and big licensing fees could kill a product faster than Josey Wales, who killed 55 men in a single movie (without the convenience of automatic weapons).
Microsoft won a judgment against the book chain, but the judge was clearly conflicted.
Judge Ted Essex ruled by the law -- a law that allows the patent holder to charge basically whatever it wants and use patents to swap pesky competitors.
This really starting to get out of hand. Companies are buying companies just for the patents.
I'm no expert in patent law, but it seems we may need a bit of reform here. Otherwise those with deep markets will keep out the upstarts.
What would you do to patent laws if only you had the power? Your best advice welcome at [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on 02/22/2012 at 1:19 PM