What’s in a name? We mean, really, what’s in a name – specifically, “Android”? Well, to software developer Erich Specht, the answer could be $96 million.
Specht is accusing Google Inc. (GOOG) and 47 other companies of trademark infringement over “Android,” which now stands for Google’s mobile operating system, and he’s seeking $2 million from each entity.
Specht used to own Android Data, a name for which he secured a patent back in 2002. But he let his domain name lapse and his business disappeared. Until April 20, that is, when Specht re-emerged and, a few days later, filed suit against Google et al.
The precious part is this: Android was launched in 2007 and Specht thought all along, until April 20, that the operating system was in fact a device. When he finally caught up with the rest of the world and figured out that Android is a software platform, he and his lawyers whipped out the paperwork.
Google says it’ll fight the claims and observers largely expect a settlement ... if Google agrees to one. Sounds like the company is ready to put the smack down on an apparent gold-digger without a case.
