Oracle may only win pocket change in its long-running Java battle with Android maker Google, after the latest ruling from the U.S. judge presiding over the courtroom fight.
Earlier this week, the jury in the case ruled that Google had infringed Oracle’s copyright over a few lines of code used in the development of Android.
But according to numerous reports, Judge William Alsup, who is hearing the case, said that the most Oracle may end with as a result of that infringement was statutory damages – which are limited to just $150,000.
Oracle had originally been seeking billions of dollars in damages from Google over the alleged abuse of Java code in the development of the Android mobile operating system.
The trial, which has already been running for nearly four weeks, was originally divided into three stages: the first examining copyright claims, the second patent claims, and the third potential damages.
In the first state, the jury ruled that Google had breached copyright relating to a tiny proportion of Java code, but the inconclusive judgment on several key aspects led Google’s lawyers to seek a mistrial.
Meanwhile, the judge has also suggested that the final stage of the trial should be curtailed.
“You ought to find a way to streamline the trial,” Judge Alsup is quoted in several reports as telling the two firms.
This article was originally published on V3.
Related reading
Something to hide? The rise of privacy-focused search engines
In this editorial from Marc Smith, founder of Mojeek, argues that alternative, privacy-focused search engines have an opportunity in this post-truth era
Artificial intelligence for marketers
In this editorial from Amanda DiSilvestro, she puts the case forward for AI as an essential tool for search marketers.
The end of DoubleClick and Adwords? Google simplifies its branding with Google Ads, Marketing Platform and Ad Manager
Google is rebranding Adwords and DoubleClick. How will these changes affect us? Here’s everything you need to know.
How to monitor your competitors’ content marketing efforts
Competitor monitoring informs content marketing strategy, inspires more content marketing tactics and helps you prevent content marketing mistakes.
