When it comes to technology and patents it seems like there are never ending wars going on, and lately it seems like Android (News - Alert)-based devices are on the receiving end of those patent wars. The companies that make Android devices have been taking a lot of patent infringement flack from two companies who are unlikely to be on the same side of any issue, Apple (News - Alert) and Microsoft. Some of you may remember the day that Google triumphantly announced the release of the Android operating system. In the release the company said, "A broad alliance of leading technology and wireless companies today joined forces to announce the development of Android, the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices.” Google Inc., T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm, Motorola and others have collaborated on the development of Android through the Open Handset Alliance (News - Alert), a multinational alliance of technology and mobile industry leaders.

This alliance shares a common goal of fostering innovation on mobile devices and giving consumers a far better user experience than much of what is available on today’s mobile platforms. By providing developers a new level of openness that enables them to work more collaboratively, Android will accelerate the pace at which new and compelling mobile services are made available to consumers.

Well the happy shine of those days has been tarnished with the battering of patent infringement suit after patent infringement suit. Most recently one Android tablet maker, Samsung (News - Alert), has had its newest Android tablet banned from sale in the U.S. after a judge decided it was infringing on Apple's patents. That is, of course, only the tip of the iceberg, as many other suits have been filed again Android tablets with favorable outcomes for the filing company. The folks over at the FOSS Patents blog have put together a handy list of the top 11 suits that have gotten Android device makers in hot water. This reporter’s favorite is U.S. Patent No. 7,469,381, which deals with scrolling, snapping and stretching smartphone displays. 

Want to learn more about patents in the telecom industry? Then be sure to attend Synopsis Under IP/Patents Telecom Sourcing Conference (SUITS), collocated with ITEXPO West 2012 taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. The SUITS Conference is launched to advance the legal knowledge of innovators of telecommunications including developers, implementers, licenses, licensors, end users, carriers and enterprise patents. Learn how to be aware and prepare to protect your most valuable assets, individual and company patents and intellectual property stored in the Patent Eco System or being held for security. For more information on registering for the SUITS Conference, click here.

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