Google Sued Over Android Trademark

May 4. 2009

Google's "Android"

Google, one of the largest companies in the world, has been sued, by independent software developer, Erich Specht, for trademark infringement, regarding the name "Android." Specht has a small Illinois software company with several clients. The website address is www.android-data.com

Apparently, the two parties have been sparring in litigation for some time regarding this issue, with Specht's lawyer going ahead with filing suit, after making no inroads with Google during settlement talks.

Specht and his software company have actually owned the trademark "Android" in the category of software since 2002. It is the name of his company.

Erich Specht's "Android"

Google began using the name years later in 2007. When Google applied for the "Android" trademark in 2007, it was denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, due to it already being reserved and used by Specht.

Based on the evidence, it is Specht's trademark and property. If you wish to use it, you will have to pay him. If he says no, you're out of gas.

Google's Android Angst

It could if Erich Specht gets his way. The software developer is seeking close to $100 million in damages from Google ( GOOG - news - people ) and 46 other technology companies over the term "Android."

Specht, who runs a small, Palatine, Ill.-based firm called Android Data Corp., is seeking an injunction on Android-branded products and up to $94 million in damages for infringing his trademark. "Basically, it's a stolen name," says Specht's attorney, Martin Murphy. "It's our trademark, and Google is using it as if it's theirs."

Google spokesman Andrew Pederson says the company believes the claims are without merit and "will defend vigorously against them."...

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