News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Google sues to protect Android device makers from Apple-backed patent hell. Parent comment

Re:Google sues to protect Android device makers from Apple-b... by X-Istence on Tuesday December 24, 2013 @09:36PM (#6961966)
Except that Microsoft innovated, got there first and clearly has something valuable if other companies are using it's IP (self evident since companies are paying them licensing fees).
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Google sues to protect Android device makers from Apple-b... by pyre on Tuesday December 24, 2013 @11:39PM (#6962196)
> self evident since companies are paying them licensing fees

Not necessarily. Companies could be paying them licensing fees because it's less costly then a protracted court battle with an unknown outcome.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Google sues to protect Android device makers from Apple-b... by codygman on Tuesday December 24, 2013 @10:35PM (#6962070)
The reason for paying licensing fees doesn't have to be that Micro$oft has something valuable, it could very well be they are afraid of legal repercussions.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Google sues to protect Android device makers from Apple-b... by clarky07 on Tuesday December 24, 2013 @11:48PM (#6962214)
If they weren't infringing, the companies wouldn't be paying. It's not like we are talking about some mom and pop that is going to go out of business from legal fees. We are talking major handset manufacturers.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Google sues to protect Android device makers from Apple-b... by AnthonyMouse on Wednesday December 25, 2013 @12:31AM (#6962306)
It's not about going out of business, it's about cost/benefit. What good does it do you to avoid paying a million dollars in license fees if it costs you two million dollars in lawyers fees to do it?

(The answer is that it keeps you from being painted as a mark by other trolls. But it still doesn't change the math -- it costs more to fight than to pay.)

[ Parent | on HN ]