US/EU: Apple scores double win against Google

Apple received two favorable court decisions, one in Germany and one at the US International Trade Commission, last Friday in its longstanding battle with rival Google and the use of standard essential patents.

Reports say Apple was granted a stay in Germany that suspends a current lawsuit in which Google is seeking royalty claims against Apple and Microsoft for use of patents Google acquired. Apple requested a stay, now granted by Judge Andreas Voss, pending the outcome of a current probe by the European Commission into the matter.

The Commission is examining Google’s use of SEPs to earn royalties from its rivals; in this particular case, Google is leveraging patents acquired through its buyout of Motorola Mobility against both Apple and Microsoft.

The defendants argue that Google’s demands for its rivals to use such patents do not fall under the fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory rule.

In the same day, Apple heard favorable news by the International Trade Commission, which denied Friday Motorola Mobility’s request to rehear a previous decision in favor of Apple regarding SEPs.

Both Motorola Mobility and Apple had filed counter claims against each other seeking ITC import bans on products that violated each other’s essential patents; both cases were dismissed by Judge Richard Posner in June of last year.

Apple, however, won an appeal last August that reversed the ITC’s decision on two of the three patents regarding Apple’s touchscreen. Google had requested a rehearing of that decision, which was denied.

Further, this week will mark the continuation of ongoing litigation between Apple and rival smartphone maker Samsung over patents; Apple previously won a $1 billion settlement related to SEP infringement, say reports.

Full Content: Apple Insider

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