Faculty in the News
In the News
Patents' growing role in battle of mobile
Publication date: March 8, 2010
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Author: Ryan Kim
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An article in the San Francisco Chronicle about the growing role of patents and patent lawsuits in the field of mobile technology quoted Andrew Torrance, associate professor of law.
The Chronicle wrote:
Google has expressed public support for HTC but could be drawn into a larger battle if Apple's legal success imperils Android, said Andrew Torrance, a professor of law at the University of Kansas.
"Google, which has a huge interest in the success of Android, might have to step in," Torrance said. "If it looks like a Goliath vs. David fight, Google might step in to even it up."
...
Torrance said the mobile field reminds him of the early days of computer software, when companies tested each other before settling into a detente. He said the smart phone companies will eventually put their patents away but not before some more fireworks.
"I think patent litigation in the smart phone realm is growing like bacteria," he said. "It will take a while to work itself out."