Andre Yoskowitz
4 Aug 2011 13:09
Yesterday, Google came out guns blazing, calling out Oracle, Microsoft and Apple, accusing them of trying to stifle Android growth and development with their lawsuits based on "bogus patents."
The post went on to list all the ways rival companies are trying to attack Android, including Microsoft's continued lawsuits to get $15 licensing fees per Android device, Microsoft's purchase of Novell patents, the CPTN's (Apple, RIM, others) $4.5 billion purchase of 6000 Nortel patents to make sure Google didn't get them, and Apple's current suits against Samsung and Motorola over Android devices.
Last night, Microsoft came back, crushing Google's argument with one email.
Frank Shaw, Microsoft Head of Communications, posted one email from Google SVP Kent Walker that proves that Microsoft asked Google upfront to be a purchasing partner on the Novell patents, and that Google declined:
Brad [Smith, Microsoft General Counsel]
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you — I came down with a 24-hour bug on the way back from San Antonio. After talking with people here, it sounds as though for various reasons a joint bid wouldn’t be advisable for us on this one. But I appreciate your flagging it, and we’re open to discussing other similar opportunities in the future.
I hope the rest of your travels go well, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
– Kent