Google Faces New Legal Woes: Sued by British Telecom

Android may be among the top mobile Operating Systems, but at the very same time, this fine piece is technology is like a lawsuit magnet. Android is now grappling with a new case against it, and this time it is BT's turn to sue it for patent infringement. BT has filed the case against Google in the US and it claims that Android infringes minimum six patents held by British Telecom. The case specifically holds applications such as Google Maps, Android Market products, Google Music and location based advertising services culpable.

BT is also contemplating taking the same step in Europe as well. If Google loses the case, it may have to pay royalties to BT. Though, Google may decide to pass the burden on to handset makers. Reportedly, Android is currently being sued by at least six publicly traded companies including Oracle and Microsoft. Google has, however, trashed the claims, stating, "We believe these claims are without merit, and we will defend vigorously against them.”

BT seems to have taken a leaf out of Microsoft's book. The Redmond company currently receives royalties from Samsung and HTC for every Android phone made by them. However, unlike Microsoft, BT decided to sue Google instead of the handset makers, which shows that BT is not willing to jeopardize its relations with handset makers. The lawsuit would also ensure that Google's legal team remains sufficiently overburdened for the near future.