Microsoft plans to target Google in German patent case against Motorola
Microsoft (MSFT) on Thursday revealed that it will amend an earlier complaint in Germany against Motorola to include Google (GOOG), FOSS Patents reported. The lawsuit, which marks the first time the two technology giants are set to face off, relates to the Google Maps app found on Motorola smartphones. Microsoft argues that the software infringes upon its owns technology relating to “identifying local resources.” Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents notes that “by suing Google itself, Microsoft creates a situation in which Google will have to admit or explicitly deny Microsoft’s infringement allegations concerning the inner workings of Google Maps,” rather than being subpoenaed as a third-party and requiring Microsoft to name particular witnesses. Depending on certain factors that could delay the hearing, a preliminary trial date is set for March 7th.
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