Post # 13:Legal Relief from Apple?

The publication of Google's patent to 'unlock mobile devices' may now provide some protection from Apples legal onslaught. In August 2010 Google filed paperwork detailing a method for unlocking a computer or mobile device with the users touch.

As many of us are now aware, Apple has been especially notorious for pressing legal action against their competitors on the basis of patent infringement. Specifically  Apple has been rigorousness y protecting its slide to unlock function over the past 18 months, resulting in multiple lawsuits. Many of these have been successful  For example, in Germany on February 16th 2012, it was ruled that Motorola's Android phones were infringing on Apple's unlock patent.

However, Google filed blueprints of a very similar patent in August 6, 2010, 11 days before Apple was awarded their slide-to-unlock feature. Now that this patent has been published, it will no doubt change the shape of the legal debates between Apple and their competition.

Most importantly, for Google's mobile partners, (specifically Motorola, Samsung and HTC) the publication of this patent will most probably provide legal standing and relief from further lawsuits.