lawsuit - Android Community

Tagged: lawsuit

Carrier IQ backs off, apologizes to Android security whistleblower

By Michael Crider
on 23 Nov, 2011

That was fast. Just one day after threatening an XDA-Developers member with legal action over exposing embarrassing privacy violations in their network management software, Carrier IQ has retracted its demands and issued a public apology. The retraction came after the EFF came to TrevE's legal aid and blogs and news sites around the Internet slammed the company's actions. Recognizing a public relations nightmare when they saw one, the company said it was "deeply sorry for any concern or trouble that our letter may have caused Mr. Eckhart." The press release went on to say that Carrier IQ's software doesn't record keystrokes, location or usage information, in direct opposition to TrevE's findings.

EFF defends Android whistleblower from Carrier IQ lawsuit

By Michael Crider
on 23 Nov, 2011

Smartphones are a minefield of potential privacy and security violations on the best of days, and careless software implementations like HTC's recent Sense UI issue don't help. So when XDA-Developers poster TrevE found some disturbingly direct violations of Android users' privacy in the Carrier IQ tracking software, he made it known to as many people as possible, with citations and evidence as needed. Now Carrier IQ has sent him a cease and desist letter, threatening legal action if he doesn't remove his research and allegations. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a legal defense group for technology enthusiasts and issues, has offered him assistance.

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1N Apple-dodging slate gets caught on video

By Cory Gunther
on 18 Nov, 2011

If you haven't been following along, over in Germany the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has been banned thanks to Apple's team of lawyers claiming it is a direct copy of the iPad and after plenty of litigation it was banned across Europe. Earlier this week we saw details of a Tab 10.1N with a very slight change of design to avoid those lawsuits so Samsung could sell their tablets in Germany. Today we have that new tablet on video in case you'd like to take a look.

Barnes & Noble reveals Microsoft’s Android patents in detail

By Michael Crider
on 14 Nov, 2011

Last week Barnes & Noble lobbied United States regulators to investigate Microsoft, on the basis that its lawsuits and licensing agreements with Android OEMs constituted monopolistic behavior. The first fruit of this effort is a detailed look at the patents that Microsoft has been using to pressure manufacturers into licensing deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Barnes & Noble seems determined to keep from paying Microsoft for its Nook line of e-readers and tablets.

Barnes & Noble fires back at Microsoft, calls for investigation

By Michael Crider
on 9 Nov, 2011

At least one manufacturer isn't kowtowing to Microsoft's Android licensing push: Barnes & Noble is actively fighting Microsoft's patent litigation in court. As an added bonus, the bookseller has urged US regulators to investigate Microsoft's patents and the claims therein. B&N asserts that Microsoft is trying to drive up the price of the Android devices it competes with, thereby making its own Windows Phone 7 more attractive to manufacturers and consumers.

Huawei is the latest target for Microsoft’s patent license fees

By Michael Crider
on 8 Nov, 2011

Let it be known, ambitious original equipment manufacturers: if you get too successful, expect a visit from Microsoft, asking for their latest round of protection money patent license fees. Huawei is the latest manufacturer to draw the watchful eye of Microsoft after a couple of successful product launches, including the new T-Mobile Springboard. According to the BBC, Huawei is already in negotiations to pay Microsoft. It looks like Huawei will quietly negotiate a licensing deal, as HTC, Samsung and others have already done.

Google lawyer says Microsoft sues because Windows Phone 7 is failing

By Michael Crider
on 7 Nov, 2011

The war of words between Google and Microsoft has reached into the media once again, as SFGate has interviewed Google's patent lawyer Tim Porter. Refuting the claims made by his Redmond counterpart in an earlier interview, Porter said that Microsoft is attacking Android because they feel their own product (Windows Phone 7) is marginalized and threatened. He said that while the meteoric rise of Android hasn't been halted by Microsoft's tactics, companies that have to worry about patent litigation can't focus on innovation.

Apple loses tablet patent lawsuit in Spain

By Michael Crider
on 2 Nov, 2011

La vaca santa! After winning injunctions against Samsung and its Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Germany and Australia, not to mention other various lawsuits around the world, a tiny Android tablet maker from Spain has successfully defended itself in a criminal patent suit. NK-T, makers of cheap Android tablets for their regional market, found themselves labelled as pirates and criminals when Apple filed an complaint against them in November, 2010. The court found NK-T innocent of criminal charges today.

More trouble for Android, Apple granted Slide to Unlock patent

By Cory Gunther
on 25 Oct, 2011

Today we have more news regarding some of those Apple patents. This morning after being filed way back in December of 2005, The US Patent & Trademark Office issued a patent grant to Apple regarding their familiar Slide to Unlock gesture. This has actually been officially granted to Apple, no longer is this pending, the deed is done.

53% of Android phones pay license fees to Microsoft

By Michael Crider
on 24 Oct, 2011

Apple's patent tyranny against every Android manufacturer they can find gets a lot of ink, but it appears that Microsoft is getting the bank. After securing yet another licensing deal with Taiwanese OEM Compal, Redmond announced that a full 53% of Android devices being made are done so with a licensing kick-back to Microsoft. Other major players which have settled with the software giant include HTC, Samsung, Acer and many more.