http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/28/4156614/google-opa-open-source-patent-pledge-wont-sue-unless-attacked
This is a great move for the entire tech industry by one of its leading giants. Google has decided to take a defensive approach rather than an offensive one. They will not sue unless sued first. Hopefully this sentiment will catch on with other companies but I have a feeling it wont. Google has the power to turn its efforts away from the suing game without taking a major hit to the overall company. They know the power and potential of open source and are finally publicizing that it should be nurtured rather than obstructed. This pledge causes me to grow fond of Googles company culture and their passion for straight up innovation. Rather than suing a bunch of people, which they easily could, Google is doing the exact opposite. They are open sourcing some of their patents. Google even called out other patent holders in the industry asking them to do the same. I can only imagine how intimidating it must be to get called out by Google!
I agree Google is trying to take a step in the right direction here and that is commendable.
ReplyDeleteHi Cory,
ReplyDeleteGoogle made a great movement towards descalation of the tensity of the patent war in the cloud computing and big data industry, like the one that happened to the mobile industry.
I agree with you guys that Google is definitely trying to create a more positive image to the public. Google's action for sure is going to effect other companies.
ReplyDeleteGood read Cory. Even though I agree with everybody that Google is trying to keep a positive image to the public, I wrote about their PR Stunt where they only pledged 10 patents, which is a only a small fraction of their patent portfolio. On the other hand, IBM and Sun Microsystems both pledged 500 and 1600 respectively.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I feel like one of the main reasons Google is doing this is because they don't have much to sue others with. They're hoping that their goodwill will act as a defensive strategy. Either way, it's still great for the industry. But I absolutely don't see any litigation-hungry companies like Apple buying into this...
ReplyDeleteIt seems like all along Google just wanted to be left alone to do it's thing, but found itself getting sued and targeted. So it responded by buying up patents to protect itself and now is looking for a way out again.
ReplyDelete