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That's interesting. I wonder if Google could buy IBM and then have them drop the lawsuit?

I don't know if you're trying to make a joke, but that might be a bit difficult for Google to do since IBM is worth more than they are.

http://www.google.com/finance?catid=66529330&sort=MARKET... Cap

I wasn't trying to make a joke. I figured Google would have a very high market valuation compared to IBM. But my point still stands, why can't Google buy a company that owns some patents that Oracle is currently infringing on?

Jonathan Schwartz had a great article about patents and IP where he relayed some stories about the stand offs between companies with regards to patents. Seems very relevant here: http://jonathanischwartz.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/good-artis...

It's quite possible that Google already owns some. We will find out when and if they find a counter-suit. Counterclaims of patent infringement are a standard tactic.

I assume Oracle is angling for a settlement here. I can't imagine they want to make Android apps not be written in Java, they just want a piece.

I think the V8 technology in Chrome is based on much older Smalltalk VM technology that Google bought. Given that everything in software violates software patents, I think it is reasonable to assume that Java does.

There's no reason this comment should be voted down.

There's no reason your comment should be voted down either. I upvoted it at least.

For those of you who are relatively new here, meta-discussion is discouraged on hacker news. Now everyone quickly downvote me!

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