Google and Samsung Sign Global Patent Deal

An anonymous reader writes "Google and Samsung have signed a global patent cross-licensing agreement aimed at reducing 'the potential for litigation' and enhancing innovation. The deal will cover 'a broad range of technologies and business areas' and apply to both existing patents and any filed over the next decade. The move is also expected to strengthen their position against rivals such as Apple, which has filed multiple lawsuits worth billions of dollars for alleged patent infringements."

Market headed down Friday, deal announced Sunday

[raymorris]

The current market slide started Friday morning. This deal was announced two days later, on Sunday.
I suspect the Sunday announcement did not cause anything to happen two days before.

Re:Also blocks startups.

[AmiMoJo]

So, as long as they've ever been sued by someone, then it's OK for Google to sue over a different overbroad patent?

That's how patent law works in the US. Both sides show that the other was violating their patents and then the judge tells them to settle their differences out of court. Either that or the aggressor realizes that they stand to lose big time and backs down. It's unfortunately but it's how the game is played, and Google has no choice but to participate.

I'm interested to know what over-broad patents you are referring to, BTW. They certainly don't seem to use anything like the rounded corners nonsense or "on a computer" shenanigans in court.

Re:1 edge

[gnasher719]

Interesting how your opinion forgets that Samsung has been trying to stop Apple from selling iPhones. Samsung has actually been threatened by the EU with a fine of up to thirteen billion dollars if they continue patent trolling against Apple and others.