http://www.geekosystem.com/google-maps-facing-german-ban/
The Germans are lost. Not in ideology, but in literally. Or at least they may be in future with the fact that Google Maps may soon be banned in Germany's future. This ban is a result of a violation of European Union Privacy law. However the actual reason for the ban is due to a patent dispute with none other than the ugly kid on the block, Microsoft.
The patent in question is for “a computer system for identifying local resources,” and although Microsoft originally brought suit against the Google subsidiary Motorola. Mobility to block the Android app for Google Maps, but Motorola said they didn’t know how the Google Maps servers operated. That’s when Microsoft added Google itself to its lawsuit.
Now if Microsoft actually wins this legal matter, Google Maps will either have to completely leave Germany, or pay a steep royalty. Google Maps would not be allowed from any computer with a German IP address. It would also stop Android phones form downloading Google Maps in the future. Google in reality would have no choice. Many other companies already pay Microsoft for these exact patents. Examples are LG, Samsung, HTC, and many other lesser known companies.
Here's the thing, Google is likely to lose this case. Soon enough the world will know the outcome of this case. What should Google do if they lose? Give in to Microsoft or leave Germany completely?
This is such an interesting case. I wonder if Microsoft only has the patent for this in Germany and why this issue is not being brought up in other countries. Regardless this is a lose lose situation for all parties involved but especially the German citizens.
ReplyDeleteGood point Cory,
DeleteThe patent is most likely filed in Germany, or any other European country, and Microsoft was the first one to file it. It is fascinating how patent war dynamics differs from country to country.
Michael,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I think that Google would have to pay royalties to Microsoft in case it loses the law-suit, because it has to keep its brand image. And one of the elements of it is Global Presence, so it cant sell its maps in one country, but abandon the other.
Very funny picture, glad you shared. I also wrote about the Google Maps injunction and believe that the Microsoft claim is way too broad. As such, it is no wonder that Google Maps is infringing on this claim. If the injunction does occur, I wonder how Google will be affected in Germany.
ReplyDeleteIf I were Google I would just pay the royalties to Microsoft. Google Maps has a global reputation and they would lose millions of customers/users if it were totally banned in Germany. On a side note, I studied abroad in Berlin last year and would have been doomed without Google Maps.. so I may be a bit biased in my opinion to favor the continuation of Maps at Google's expense.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comment above. Between shutting down Google Maps (at least in Germany) and paying royalties, paying royalties is definitely the better option. Ths Microsoft claim though is pretty broad, as Jon pointed out. I know the Foss blog and others seems to think that Google will lose, but the terms of the hypothetical loss might not be as bad as we expect.
ReplyDeleteSick photo...hahah
ReplyDeleteI posted about this topic too. Its pretty ridiculous that Google could lose the privilege to run Google Maps in Germany.