Techcrunch: Google On Microsoft’s Android Patent Tactics: It’s Extortion

by Stephan Kinsella on September 28, 2011

Of course it’s (legal) extortion; of course it’s a shakedown. Duh. Post by MG Siegler on Techcrunch:

Google On Microsoft’s Android Patent Tactics: It’s Extortion

Earlier today, Microsoft and Samsung disclosed that they reached a cross-licensing agreement over patents. The key point: it’s a bad blow to the notion that Android is free. Instead, it’s more like “free” with huge Android OEM partners like HTC and now Samsung agreeing to pay Microsoft to use Android. Google must be pissed off.

And they are. Here’s their statement:

“This is the same tactic we’ve seen time and again from Microsoft. Failing to succeed in the smartphone market, they are resorting to legal measures to extort profit from others’ achievements and hinder the pace of innovation. We remain focused on building new technology and supporting Android partners.”

Yes, they used the word “extort”. Wow.

It’s not technically extortion because it’s legal, but it’s otherwise the same. Just like taxation is theft except that it’s legal. Someone needs to read their Bastiat.