Microsoft Challenges Google + Motorola Over Android

Microsoft is adding Google as a defendant in its ongoing legal feud against Motorola, marking the first time the two software heavyweights have gone toe-to-toe over Google’s smartphone software, Android.

Motorola’s latest Android, the Razr HD

Like Apple, Microsoft has been shaking down Android smartphone makers for a payout; however, its claims have more substance than Apple’s “it’s flat and has a screen” design defence.

Most manufacturers have settled with Microsoft, bar Google-owned Motorola, who according to Reuters, is fighting a range of patent issues with Microsoft in the US and Germany.
 
Now Microsoft is adding Google as a defendant alleging a mapping feature on Motorola phones infringes one of its patents. The patent details how local resources, such as public transport, are overlayed with mapping data.

“It became necessary to add Google to this particular case because Motorola maintains that it lacks sufficient information about actions occurring on Google’s servers,” said a Microsoft spokesperson in an e-mailed statement to Reuters on Friday.

Microsoft and Motorola are at odds in separate patent cases in Mannheim, German and in Seattle over Motorola’s use of scheduling software and Microsoft’s use of video and wireless technology.

The next generation of Microsoft’s smartphone software, Windows Phone 8, is due for release before the end of October.