Apple’s patent wars are creating the need for specialized judges and dedicated court rooms. On Monday, Apple’s patent suit against Google and Motorola was dismissed out of court by District Judge Barbara Crabb who decided she didn’t have the legal authority to hear Apple’s claims.
When it comes to Apple’s patent wars, everybody is on red alert. Apple is a company that carries patent legal battles throughout the globe and has recently succeeded in getting some Samsung smartphones banned in the US. But, several other lawsuits against competition remain open. One of the hottest cases about to be trialed is Apple’s patent suit against Google and Motorola.
In May, Apple announced it is suing Google and Motorola worried the patents would harm their business. Google bought from Motorola a number of patents worth $12.5 billion. But Apple immediately reacted to the news, claiming Motorola’s licensing practices were unfair. The company dragged the whole matter into an U.S. federal court but District Judge Barbara Crabb tossed it out, saying she didn’t have the legal authority to address the lawsuit.
The patent library Google bought from Motorola includes Wi-Fi and all kinds of cellular technologies, which are used by Apple’s best selling gadgets: the iPhone and iPod Touch. Motorola wants Apple to pay a license fee of 2.25 percent of the actual price tag with which Apple sells those gadgets. Whereas Motorola claims that’s a reasonable price, Apple is looking for legal justice complaining that’s just too much to pay.
Motorola and Google were happy with the Wisconsin federal judge’s decision. “We’re pleased that the court has dismissed Apple’s lawsuit with prejudice” a Motorola rep told AllThingsD. “Motorola has long offered licensing to our extensive patent portfolio at a reasonable and non-discriminatory rate in line with industry standards. We remain interested in reaching an agreement with Apple” the company added.
Although the U.S. federal judge didn’t exactly reveal why she threw out Apple’s patent case against Motorola and Google, she did however give an advisory opinion. “It has become clear that Apple’s interest in a license is qualified” said District Judge Barbara Crabb on Friday.
