Oracle vs. Google Trial: Android Makes “Fair Use” Of Java API’s

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It seems like Oracle and Google have been wrangling for years over Android, and the underlying Java API’s that power the leading mobile operating system. On the one hand, Google has repeatedly said that they are not at fault, and that they were using Java as agreed to by Java’s former owners, Sun Microsystems. Oracle, who purchased Sun Microsystems in 2010 feels otherwise, and has spent several years (and millions of dollars) trying to get a piece of that sweet, sweet Android money. Today the case between Google and Oracle has concluded, with the jury deciding that Android’s use of Java API’s is covered under “fair use” protection.

The jury delivered a unanimous decision, which was achieved after three days of deliberation. Their job was simply to decide whether or not Google’s use of the API’s fell under the protection of “fair use” under copyright law. US District Judge William Alsup, who has overseen the case since 2010, was complimentary of the jury, stating that he wanted to “shake each of your hands individually.”

Google was understandably excited about the ruling, and their official statement said as much:

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Today’s verdict that Android makes fair use of Java APIs represents a win for the Android ecosystem, for the Java programming community, and for software developers who rely on open and free programming languages to build innovative consumer products.

Oracle, not so happy…

We strongly believe that Google developed Android by illegally copying core Java technology to rush into the mobile device market. Oracle brought this lawsuit to put a stop to Google’s illegal behavior. We believe there are numerous grounds for appeal and we plan to bring this case back to the Federal Circuit on appeal.

This phase of the trial is over, with Google emerging victorious, however Oracle will of course appeal the ruling, hoping to have better luck with a different judge.

What do you think about Google’s court victory over Oracle? Let us know in the comment section below, or on Google+, Facebook, or Twitter.

[button link=”http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/05/google-wins-trial-against-oracle-as-jury-finds-android-is-fair-use/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Source: Ars Technica[/button]
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