Google's been trying to ban the Xbox 360 in the US for some time now, but we'll have to wait a little while longer to find out whether it's successful. It's accused Microsoft of infringing key patents with its console. Well now the International Trade Commission -- which rules over such matters -- is putting off making the decision on whether to ban it.
The patents in question relate to wireless net connectivity, video compression and various other technologies, the patents for which are owned by Motorola, and hence Google, Reuters reports. A decision was expected from the ITC in August, but now it's sent the case back to the judge to let them decide. And risk the ire of gamers all over America.
It's primarily a question of European FRAND rules surround patent usage -- those that are fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory. They exist to ensure the industry chugs along as best it can, making sure devices are compatible with each other and consumers get a fair deal. Companies owning such patents accepted as industry standard have to licence them on reasonable terms. Microsoft has claimed the technologies used in the Xbox are standard essential.
The Federal Trade Commission has written to the ITC saying banning the Xbox would cause "substantial harm" to consumers, competition, and innovation. It recommended a clampdown on companies being able to block competitor products. And I have to say I agree with it.
Late on Friday, Apple succeeded in having the Samsung Galaxy Nexus banned from sale in the US. The FTC is also launching an investigation into whether Google and Motorola have been complying with FRAND rules.
These patent infringement cases are getting seriously out of hand. Something needs to be done to make sure these companies stop their squabbling and get on with making decent devices.
What do you think? What would an Xbox ban mean for us fans of gaming and gadgets? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 14
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anonymous 1 July, 2012 14:02
No Google, don't stoop to the low low low level of Apple. Your better than that
Mugen13 1 July, 2012 15:02
Microsoft bullied HTC and other android manufacturers, maybe they have it coming
alfstar 1 July, 2012 17:26
Google did copy a lot from OS. Android was never originally designed for touch and there are so many aspects of it that are clearly visible in Android. So fair enough, Apple's getting a little pissed that Google are being extremely successful and taking away some of their market share. But they really ought to be less childish about it. They make what are, in my opinion, great phones which could easily compete with Google's offerings, and don't need to be so silly about 'going thermonuclear on Android'. I think Tim Cook is startin to realise this and I'm confident it will get sorted in the future.
anonymous 1 July, 2012 18:13
Alfstar, I usually come on cnet to read and not comment but I just wonder if you are steve JOb's relative or an apple employee. I have never seen such a fanboyish comment in my whole life. Your comment had absolutely nothing to do with the news on this page. Instead you're defending apple when they aren't even being accused. Stop trying too hard to convince yourself. I'm quite sure you don't believe that the company you spend your money on are morally and ethically sound (like the peanut-paid, suicidal workers that produce their stuff in china; the childish whining about every tiny little similarity between other products and theirs.). It always makes me laugh when I remember that apple are suing for the "slide to unlock patent". The amount of time, money, resources and lawyers fees being wasted in that court case is probably waaaaay much less than the 2 seconds it took the designers to implement it in the first iphone.
Secondly, I think apple should get a grip on themselves. All touchscreen smartphones operate in the same way, by touching the screen. How does apple want other phones to be any different? Or maybe other people should operate their phones with lightsabers. Afterall other companies were making computers before steve jobs started (IBM, MS) so why didn't jobs find a different way to operate computers other than a mouse and keyboard. Maybe apple should get sued for using mice and keyboards in their PCs. Or maybe Sony should sue apple for making ipods since sony was producing the walkman long before the ipod,
And before you start, I'm no fanboy, I use android, IOS and Windows devices. And from a neutral point of view, I'm ashamed of apple.
Danny Jackson 1 July, 2012 18:32
Apple have gone way too far suing anyone and everyone. The fact that Galaxy Nexus has been banned in the US is outrages. But I do think that in this case its different. Doesn't really affect me as I am from the UK.
anonymous 2 July, 2012 07:05
If they end up banning xbox 360 from U.S then what about the people who bought all of those xbox live indie games or arcade games. They would no longer be able to play them anymore which means it is basically scamming. Also there might be an allience saying not to buy motorola as a patition. I say never ever ever ban xbox 360! Thank you.
Peter Hudson 2 July, 2012 09:25
I don't see google really wanting the xbox banned. They don't have anything to gain. More likely they're gonna use the threat of a ban as leverage in a financial settlement negotiation.
anonymous 2 July, 2012 12:32
"Google's been trying to ban the Xbox 360 in the US for some time now"
That seems like a bit of an odd slant to start the article with. Google has officially owned Motorolla for little more than a month. Before they (eventually) took ownership at the end of May, this case between Motorolla and Microsoft essentially had nothing to do with Google. I'm not really surprised at the way this article is written though...this is CNET after all!
As the dust settles on the deal, there will no doubt be a fair bit of restructuring and Google might even come to an agreement with Microsoft (or drop the case)...so to be pointing the finger like this seems a bit hasty.
anonymous 2 July, 2012 14:45
Cnet is the tech site equivalent of the Huffington Post, what did you expect? ;)
anonymous 2 July, 2012 18:18
Im sick of all this infringement lawsuits. imagine if the inventor of the first car, telephone or television banned other companies from making and advancing these products. consumers would be screwed
alfstar 2 July, 2012 21:07
I completely agree with you; Apple IS being unreasonable. I use a Windows laptop and an Android phone, along with Google's great array of online services. And I love the look of Windows Phone, it's fresh new, interesting and innovative. All it needs is more apps and I'd instantly buy it. With Google, Android has always been the cheap alternative to me. It may have a few nifty features but it's never been as polished or well-thought-out as the iPhone (or WP). And this is starting to change with ICS and their appointment of a new design chief who is overhauling the look of all their products.
I've always been a strong believer in design and ease-of-use, which are two items primarily associated with Apple. Microsoft's effort is great; it just needs more apps and a larger user base. But Android is only just starting to catch up on that front. Now ICS has been released, I'm now starting to consider an Android. But the update woes, among a few other little annoyances with it, are holding me off.
They're all great companies. They all make great competitive products. But right now, in my opinion, the iPhone is the best.
I AM NOT AN APPLE EMPLOYEE OR A RELATIVE OF SJ. I'm a 14 year old boy from London. And that's just my view of things.
anonymous 4 July, 2012 07:55
HAHA I SO HOPE IT GETS BANNED, THESE THEIVING MUGS HAVE IT COMING.
anonymous 4 July, 2012 12:49
Yes I agree. It is getting ridiculous now. If there are patent squabbles, that is fine and a fair resolution and damages fine should be upheld. But banning and banishing products that consumers rely on and need is just totally uncalled for. I think the option of banning products should in itself be banned! How do you like them APPLES?!
alfstar 4 July, 2012 18:33
I couldn't agree more, anon 12:49.