Volume IX

Issue : 17: May 5, 2011

• Sony Sued for PlayStation Network Data Breach
• Quebec Court Dismisses Class Action Motion Against Facebook
• Google Ordered to Pay $5M in Linux Infringement Suit
• iPhone Tracking Gets Apple Sued
• Apple and Samsung Sue Each Other For Patent Infringement
• Google Brokers Patent Peace Talks for WebM Technology
• Barnes & Noble Accuses Microsoft of Patent Law Misuse
• Dish and EchoStar Agree to Settle TiVo Patent Dispute

Home > Volume IX > Issue 17: May 5, 2011 > Google Ordered to Pay $5M in Linux Infringement Suit

Google Ordered to Pay $5M in Linux Infringement Suit

Google Inc. has been ordered to pay $5 million for patent infringement in its use of Linux open-source code.  The patent concerned the Linux kernel found in the software behind Google's servers.  The suit was initiated in 2009, when Bedrock Computer Technologies LLC sued Google, Yahoo, MySpace, Amazon, PayPal, Match.com, and AOL for patent infringement.  Bedrock claimed in the suit that the core of Linux infringed on a privately held patent. 

The ruling is believed to be the first patent infringement award over the Linux kernel, which is used in all versions of the operating system, including the Android smartphone software.

While the amount of the award is insignificant for Google, this decision will have significant implications for the IT industry (in particular, for Linux), as it will enhance Bedrock’s leverage in negotiating royalty payments from companies using Linux. This decision has also raised fears of similar claims against users of other open-source systems.

Google has indicated that it will appeal the verdict.

For additional information, visit:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-20056192-36.html#ixzz1KdZvZlnG