Apple and Google CEO in Talks, Could a Compromise be Near?

With a major victory behind him, it appears Apple CEO Tim Cook is ready to put his weapons down, or at least begin talks to find a resolution, as he is rumored to have held preliminary discussions this week with Google CEO Larry Page.

While Google has not been the direct target of Apple's numerous lawsuits, which span the globe from America to Asia, and Europe too, its Android operating system has felt the impact of last week's court ruling that found Samsung guilty of infringing upon multiple innovative smartphone features from Apple. Despite claims that the patents at issue in the case were not generic to Android, Google is the real target for Apple's suits, as the Internet giant has a strong hand is the smartphone scene, from its support for OEM partners' legal campaigns to its acquisition of Motorola Mobility, in which it inherited a slew of Apple-charged lawsuits.

Yet, if Apple were to hold Google solely responsible for the alleged harm Android has caused the Cupertino-based company, it would be a much more difficult argument to convince the jury of, as Google does not compete with Apple directly. Since Google only creates and then gives its operating system away for free to manufacturers, which then produce the handsets that have supposedly violated Apple's creative license, it doesn't serve as a direct competitor to the iPhone. So while Apple may have a lot of ammunition after its win against Samsung, it is more challenging to get an injunction against a company that doesn't compete directly.

According to reports, Cook and Page have already spoken by phone and will hold further talks soon. With a Japanese judge ruling in favor of Samsung earlier this week, it seems that there is major subjectivity when it comes to judgments on software and design patents, which could work against Apple again in the future. Perhaps talks to stop further escalation, while protecting the Android operating system, is the best option for the two technology giants.

While the iPhone-maker is not likely to drop its current cases, a compromise with Google could affect its outstanding fights with HTC, Motorola and other individual vendors, and also stall Apple from further lawsuits. It remains to be seen if such talks will produce a favorable settlement for all, so keep informed on Apple's and Google's on goings with Brighthand.


View the original article here