![]() ![]() ![]() Sun engineers decided years ago to release key elements of Java code under an open-source license that allows others to use it for free.The implications for Google could be stark. 2 in the world, just behind Research In Motion's BlackBerry, according to Gartner.Thousands of companies - including IBM, RIM (BlackBerry), (Kindle) and Sony (Blu-ray) - have Java licensing agreements because their products use the technology.Ultimately, the suit hinges on the intricacies of intellectual-property law. Android is the most popular smartphone operating system in the U.S., and is on the verge of becoming No. But one analyst said the lawsuit is probably part of a larger negotiating effort by Oracle to land a sizable licensing fee."Oracle sees an obvious commercial issue, but it also sees a threat to its control and stewardship of the Java platform," says Mark Driver, an analyst at market researcher Gartner.Oracle had no comment on the suit.The complaint could send ripples throughout the tech industry, as millions of consumers flock to Android as their smartphone of choice. (Google CEO Eric Schmidt was chief technology officer at Sun, where he oversaw Java development.)Database giant Oracle acquired the Java computer programming language and related technology when it completed its $7.4 billion acquisition of Sun Microsystems earlier this year.Oracle is seeking an injunction and unspecified damages. Google, it argues, hired former Sun Java engineers. Filed late Thursday, alleges Google's popular Android operating system was built on Oracle's Java software without permission.The suit, filed in federal court in the Northern District of California, claims Android infringes Java patents and that Google should know better.
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