Al Sutton wrote:
> They alternative is what HTC, Nokia, etc. do, which is to base yourself
> outside the US so you can sell fully functional units to anyone not in
> the US and take part in discussions about any software/hardware concept
> you want.

Agreed. While unfortunate, Google's policy is standard fare for many
US-based tech firms, particularly larger ones (e.g., ones with in-house
legal counsel). I've heard the same policy stated at a wide range of
firms, mostly "name brands".

> this is hardly the position a company that claims to be open should take.

Open versus closed has little to do with it. Being a large target and a
magnet for patent suits does.

Of course, it would be lovely if a Google-sized enterprise would take a
shot at getting some of these things declared unconstitutional through
the courts, but we can't exactly blame them if they elect to eschew such
a strategy.

> it doesn't strike me as logical that a google android engineer is given an
> incentive not to participate in discussions on a google android forum.

You are welcome to petition your Congressperson, if applicable, to have
the laws amended. Or, donate to a cause that tries to minimize the
impact of software patents (e.g., EFF).

-- 
Mark Murphy (a Commons Guy)
http://commonsware.com | http://twitter.com/commonsguy

Android App Developer Books: http://commonsware.com/books.html

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