Apparently so. Judge Dr. Matthias Zigan of the Munich I Regional Court told Google and its Motorola Mobility subsidiary that it infringed on of Microsoft's patents. This patent, known as EPo845124, is a "computer system for identifying local resources and method therefor," which is also the same as the US Patent No. 6,240,360. What this means for Google is that it will most likely have to stop delivering its Maps services to Germany.
This can lead to many things, 1. A national German map based app comes out 2. People find other map service providers 3. A new app is developed, like Waze an Israeli-based company that does free GPS. Or will Apple maps finally become more popular? Realistically, Google Maps is a great service, but there are so many alternatives out there that it won't be hard to find one that suits your needs.
Microsoft now wants to obtain a patent injunction against Google Maps service, the Google Maps Android Client app and web browsers providing access to Google Maps. For Google to even do this it would have to completely disable its Maps service from any user who has a German IP address, discontinue shipping the Google Maps Android app in the German market and distribute web browsers in Germany only if they block access to Google Maps.
The final verdict will come within the next few months, but Google will most likely lose. Everything Microsoft wants to do seems like it will be a huge blow to German users. This time, not only Google loses. but so does the consumer.
That would really hurt Google if the court rules in favor of Microsoft. It would be interesting to see which map competitor will win the majority. This case seems similar to China's ban on Facebook. The "Facebook of China" winner is Renren.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nana. A big blow to Google would occur, but like you said Adam, I think that a new map application by a different company will become popular in Germany quite quickly.
ReplyDeleteYeah Nana, it is interesting you bring up that ban. It goes to show that regardless people will find a similar service.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Microsoft could get out of getting rid of the free map service by Google. Could they possibly charge for map service to earn revenues? Also, I feel that Google has huge bargaining power in that it could retaliate and pull out of Germany, making the Germans worst-off.
ReplyDeleteGreat article Adam. I also agree with Nana that Google will definitely take a hit if Microsoft goes wins this case. Jerel, I feel that if Google does that, any other search engine could come in such as Yahoo! and that would not necessarily make the Germans worse. Although I love Google, I think I would be able to subsidize it with Yahoo! or AOL
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