So why is it not wise to talk about patents? What is the exact law prohibiting this? Trying to make sense of this?
On Jul 14, 2009, at 2:42 PM, Mark Murphy <[email protected]> wrote: 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 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Android Discuss" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-discuss?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
