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Oracle v. Google Android Patent Trial Set for March

By Cynthia Hsu, Esq. on January 09, 2012 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

The long-awaited Google-Oracle trial will take place in mid-March.

In case you've forgotten, the legal dispute is about patents. Oracle brought a patent infringement suit against Google over Java, which is used on Google's Android operating systems.

Tech company Sun Microsystems was the original creator of Java. Oracle acquired Sun in 2010.

Google defended its use of Java by saying it developed a relationship with Sun prior to Oracle's ownership. Specifically, the company claimed Sun liked Android and its ability to "spread news and word about Java," reports ZDNet.

But just because Sun was fine with Google's Java use doesn't mean there wasn't any patent infringement.

The case will be tried in three different phases, in accordance with federal Judge William Alsup's pretrial order:

  • Phase 1: This phase will be only about liability and defenses for copyright claims. Each side will have 16 hours to present evidence. A jury will render a verdict on these issues after closing arguments are made.
  • Phase 2: This phase will be all about patent issues. Each side will have 12 hours to present evidence. A jury will then render a second verdict on these claims.
  • Phase 3: This phase might not be necessary at all - Judge Alsup is setting this aside for any remaining issues including damages and willfulness. Each side will only get 8 hours to present evidence.

It seems that the two Silicon Valley giants will finally get their day in court. Oracle first filed the suit in August 2010, reports PC World.

Still, don't hold your breath. According to the order, the Google-Oracle trial is set to start on or after March 19. It's possible the trial may be delayed.

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