U.S. Judge Expresses Frustration at Apple's and Google's Use of Litigation as 'Business Strategy'

[MacRumors]

Bloomberg reports on comments from a U.S. District Court judge in Miami chastising Apple and Google for engaging in patent lawsuits as part of a broader business strategy rather than focusing on resolution of the disputes. The judge is currently overseeing a legal dispute that began with an initial complaint by Motorola Mobility in late 2010 and was expanded in January 2012 with the approval of Google, which had agreed to acquire Motorola several months earlier.

"The parties have no interest in efficiently and expeditiously resolving this dispute; they instead are using this and similar litigation worldwide as a business strategy that appears to have no end," U.S. District Judge Robert Scola in Miami said in an order dated yesterday. "That is not a proper use of this court."

Scola went on to blast the companies' "obstreperous and cantankerous conduct" in refusing to streamline the 12 patents and over 180 claims currently involved in the lawsuit.

"Without a hint of irony, the parties now ask the court to mop up a mess they made by holding a hearing to reduce the size and complexity of the case," he wrote. "The court declines this invitation."

Scola has given Apple and Google four months in which to streamline the case on their own before he puts the case on hold.

Article Link: U.S. Judge Expresses Frustration at Apple's and Google's Use of Litigation as 'Business Strategy'

 

[Oletros]

A wise judge

 

[pixelpro]

What, so they now don't want corporations to use the Legal system, and duke it out Mafia style? Its the Legal and patent system that needs fixing, not the other way round.

 

[TallGuy1970]

AMEN!!!! Well said!

 

[BornAgainMac]

I wonder if that Judge visits this site a lot.

 

[phillipduran]

Whoa! Whoa there Judge. Common sense has no place in today's judicial process.

 

[WiiDSmoker]

If you can't innovate; litigate.

 

[Dulcimer]

It's a shame that they can't work things out and a joke how the courts are used.

Here's hoping it'll change.

 

[malofx]

I'm impressed.

 

[Joe-Diver]

obstreperous

Must start using this....

 

[Squilly]

That's a lot of wasted $ spent on lawyers, even if it is a "business strategy"

 

[Gauntlet999]

Miami?

Funny how they've filed in Miami, about as far away from Silicon Valley and probably one of the least technology savvy areas in the country...

If they get kicked out of that court, hello North Dakota!

 

[Truffy]

I agree with the judge. It's about time these spoiled brats grew up. The only winners are lawyers.

 

[Peace]

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't this start out as a Motorola lawsuit against Apple claiming infringement on FRAND patents ?

So don't go bashing Apple. Instead the government should start looking at Google for abusing the FRAND patents in lawsuits.

 

[maxosx]

If you can't innovate; litigate.

I'm still disappointed that Jobs lost it, and chose the juvenile rant. Going "thermonuclear" is a tantrum that forever taints his legacy. Shameful.

 

[3282868]

Someone in the legal system telling it like it is, finally.

 

[batmccoy]

It only takes one company to send two to court

If a competitor is willing to create a product that they know violates patents—they are asking to go to court. If a competitor decides to sue you, you must go to court. That sounds like normal use of the system to me.

 

[maflynn]

While I agree, the companies are taking advantage of the rights afforded them. They're no different then any other corporation using the legal system to their advantage.

 

[Oletros]

It a competitor is willing to create a product that they know violates patents

Who knows that they are violating other's patents?

 

[liavman]

For some reason, I like this judge.

 

[Limboistik]

It blows my mind how anyone can excuse the companies' rights to litigation upon infringement.

If someone copies your idea, it's ok to let it slide?

 

[paul4339]

My bet is that the case will be put on hold because parties will not be able narrow things down. In this (Florida) case it's because it's in Apple's interest to hold things off.

.

 

[newagemac]

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't this start out as a Motorola lawsuit against Apple claiming infringement on FRAND patents ?

So don't go bashing Apple. Instead the government should start looking at Google for abusing the FRAND patents in lawsuits.

This case was brought about Motorola/Google and the judge is basically mostly bashing Google since they are the one suing. Not sure if anyone is bashing Apple specifically.

 

[Tankmaze]

Don't hate the players, but hate the game. I'm not supporting this type of patent lawsuit but there are lots of this companies (and patent trolls) using money and litigation to their advantage.

 

[gri]

Bravo! Need more of these guys. Some common sense.