Android Chief Claims Google Invented Key Features Before Apple
Apple might be accusing Samsung of infringing several of its key patents, but on Friday an Android executive explained that Google actually invented many of the “key features” discussed before Apple patented them. The news comes as the Apple vs. Samsung patent trial reaches its second week.
In a report from CNET, the publication explains that Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s vice president of Android, argued that his company had never striven to “copy” Apple’s iPhone or its mobile OS. He said in court:
We liked to have our own identity; we liked to have our own ideas. We were very passionate about what we were doing, and it was important that we have our own ideas.
The publication adds:
He noted that there are “thousands” of features in Android, and all aim for ease of use. He also testified as to the timeframe that Google engineers developed features like quick links and background syncing for Android. Many of the features were created in 2005 or 2006 ahead of the first Android phone launch from HTC in October 2008, Lockheimer said. The timing will be key to Samsung’s argument that Google created Apple’s patented features first.
CNET explains that Lockheimer was called as Samsung’s first witness in its defense against Apple, with the Cupertino, Calif. company filing for damages of $2.2 billion from the South Korean tech giant. Earlier this week, Apple had expert economists explain this figure in depth, and on Friday the company rested its case against Samsung.
By the end of this coming Monday, Samsung may have called as many as 17 witnesses, CNET adds. “Many of the other witnesses on tap for Samsung are Google executives. Dianne Hackborn and Cary Clark are slated to testify about the design, development, and operation of Android, as well as possible alterations made to the operating system,” the publication notes.
However, Judge Lucy Koh has noted that Samsung must “narrow its list” of witnesses.
At the beginning of the month, Apple senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller testified in the case. When asked about his first impressions of Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone, he said:
It looked so much like an attempt to copy the iPhone. It has caused people to question some of the innovations we created. I think it has confused people as to which products are creating this experience.
The case is set to continue on Monday. We’ll keep you updated with further significant developments.
In the meantime, see: WSJ: Amazon To Launch Its Own 3-D Smartphone In September, AppAdvice Daily: It’s Game Time, New And Unreleased Gaming Titles To Look Forward To, and AppAdvice Game Of The Week For April 11, 2014.
