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A comment on My Thoughts on Oracle v Google. Parent comment

Re:My Thoughts on Oracle v Google by protomyth on Monday August 16, 2010 @05:56PM (#1609436)
It isn't the corporate size that is the issue, it is the size of the patent portfolio that IBM has. I would not doubt IBM's response to any of your scenarios is to find 10 or so patents key to Oracle's database software and file a patent infringement case.

I don't think we are underestimating Oracle, we are just given IBM their due.

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Re:My Thoughts on Oracle v Google by alecco on Monday August 16, 2010 @06:17PM (#1609489) 

  >>> "a gerbil attacking a tiger"
  > It isn't the corporate size that is the issue
Argh.

And note I originally gave IBM as an example of just ONE possible target after Google. So you selectively challenge one point and then even on that point dismiss the other issues (like the "low blow" argument where Oracle doesn't even have to sue the target, be it IBM or some other deep pocketed corporation.)

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Re:My Thoughts on Oracle v Google by protomyth on Tuesday August 17, 2010 @10:25AM (#1611191)
I admit to a bit of confusion on your response. I was pointing out in the "low blow" scenario that Oracle is much more vulnerable than IBM to a contest of patents. Oracle might not be suing in your scenarios, but that wouldn't stop a suit by IBM.

The crux of this whole thing is that Google isn't using the GPLed version, wasn't paying a license fee to Sun, and isn't to Oracle. Oracle believes Google should and (probably after failed talks) is filing a lawsuit. IBM and Blackberry payed to license like other companies. So, Oracle really has no reason to sue anyone but Google.

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