Oracle Sues Google, Claims Android Infringes on Patented Java Technology

An operating system for the Google Android, an Internet and social media smartphone designed by Motorola, infringes on patented Java technology, according to a federal lawsuit filed Thursday by Oracle America.

The phone’s software uses Java applications, and infringes on parts of seven different patents, according to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Google, lawyers for Oracle argue, should have known that, because they hired former Sun Java engineers. Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems, which developed the program language Java, in April 2009.

The complaint seeks monetary damages for willful infringement, and an injunction to stop Google from building and distributing the phone. David Boies, a partner with Boies, Schiller & Flexner, is listed as counsel for Oracle. The Redwood City, Calif., headquartered corporation is also represented by Morrison & Foerster.

A Google spokesperson told Bloomberg that the company hadn't been served and couldn't comment.

Also see:

Wall Street Journal (sub. req.): Oracle Sues Google, Saying Android Violates Java Copyrights