Apple Lawsuit Update: Google Has HTC’s Back
Unless you have been living under a rock these past few days, you would know that Apple has filed a lawsuit against Taiwanese smart phone manufacturer HTC (formerly High Tech Computer Corporation) over 20 patents.
In response to the recent allegations against HTC, Google backs up its partner with the following statement:
“We are not a party to this lawsuit. However, we stand behind our Android operating system and the partners who have helped us to develop it.”
Google seems a bit on the protective side, which is not a surprise considering the fact that Apple is specifically targeting HTC’s mobile phones that carry the Google Android OS. For whatever reason, Google is not directly involved in the case but judging from their full support for HTC, it is easy to tell that they know Apple is starting a war. Looking at things on a business perspective, it would be a good, but underhanded, strategy for Apple to stop Android mobile phones in their tracks. Any delays, be it major or minor may just give them the edge they need to emerge on top.
The suit centers on HTC phones that are Android-based such as the Nexus One, the Hero and the Droid Eris. Google has held off offering multi-touch support for their Android phones for quite some time due to an informal agreement with Apple. Last month however, they have started offering it on the Nexus One. Is it a coincidence that multi-touch is one of the patents on dispute? HTC phones have actually had that feature for a while but it was only when Google enabled it that the lawsuit was filed.
While Apple is fighting dirty, there is still no word whether Google is going to provide anything other than moral support. From the looks of things though, it is highly probable that they will do whatever it takes to help HTC win against Apple. They may even end up suing Apple as well. As for HTC, the company does not seem too worried about short-term impact, seeing as the case will take anywhere from a few months to years to be resolved.
For more details, head over to Engadget.
