As previously speculated, Google has tossed its hat into the ring to aid Samsung in its ongoing patent war with Apple. Samsung and Google have developed a software patch for the enjoined Galaxy Nexus phone that they believe works around the Apple-owned patent ruled to be infringing. The non-CDMA Galaxy Nexus is an Android 4.0 reference phone, was given out to developers at the Google IO conference, and is expected to be one of the first devices to receive Jelly Bean when it is available later this summer.
In parallel with the update roll-out, Google is planning to further support Samsung in appeal of the injunction issued by California District Court Judge Lucy Koh. Koh ruled Friday that the flagship Android phone was likely to have infringed on four of Apple's patents, but the specific patent for the injunction was related to "universal search," or Siri technology. Koh refused to lift the injunction on the smartphone earlier today. Assuming the ruling is upheld, the injunction would remain in place until the outcome of the trial, scheduled to start at the end of this month.
Google and Samsung are expected to file for a reevaluation of the patent at the US Patent and Trademark Office. While the specific angle of attack on the patent is unknown, most patent second-looks seek to demonstrate prior art, or technology pre-dating the issuance of the patent.
The legal battles in the United States between Apple and Samsung began last year. After a failed bid to get the CEOs of Apple and Samsung to work out a settlement, Judge Koh has winnowed the issues for the trial significantly, though patents that have been dropped in the interest of expediency may be refiled at a later date. In addition, the judge is significantly limiting the amount of time and exhibits that Samsung and Apple may present at trial.
