Google Accuses Microsoft and Nokia of Harvesting Patent Trolls – Files Antitrust Complaint In Europe
Google, who is facing antitrust complaints on European and South Korean fronts, is going on the offensive today, filing their own complaint with the European Commission over accusations that really aren’t too surprising. According to Google, Microsoft and Nokia, whom are currently in cahoots with MS’s Windows Phone OS, are making dirty, back alley agreements with a company called Mosaid (infamous for suing anyone over their WiFi patents).
Apparently, Mosaid is being handed 1,200 wireless-related patents in exchange for sharing some of the revenue gained from lawsuits with Microsoft and Nokia. This would mean MS n’ N are actually harvesting patent trolls, in an attempt to scare handset makers into choosing Windows Phone over Android, over the threat of possible lawsuits. Ooooh, they’re so sneaky. Google said in a statement:
“Nokia and Microsoft are colluding to raise the costs of mobile devices for consumers, creating patent trolls that sidestep promises both companies have made. They should be held accountable, and we hope our complaint spurs others to look into these practices.”
Google says that although they haven’t been sued yet by Mosaid, their complaint is actually defensive measure given that something sinister is definitely afoot. Give ’em hell, Google.
[TheWallStreetJournal | Engadget]