Jan 7, 2020

Google's Supreme Court case against Oracle

Photo: Ali Balikci/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

In a court filing with the U.S. Supreme Court Monday, Google argued that the future of software innovation and interoperability hangs on the court's decision in the tech giant's long copyright battle with Oracle.

The big picture: There are also billions in damages at stake in the case, which centers on whether Google illegally used parts of Oracle’s Java code for its Android software. The Supreme Court said in November it would take up Google's appeal of Oracle's win at a lower court.

What they're saying:

"An Oracle win would upend the way the technology industry has always approached the important issue of software interfaces. It would for the first time grant copyright owners a monopoly power to stymie the creation of new implementations and applications."

— Kent Walker, Google senior vice president of global affairs, in a blog post

"Ethical developers and businesses around the world continue to recognize the value of Java and take advantage of our licenses to drive innovation and profit. Unfortunately, Google opted to ignore standard industry licensing policies and build its business by stealing Oracle’s IP."

— Deborah Hellinger, head of global corporate communications, Oracle

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Margaret Harding McGill

At the Supreme Court, a league of software defenders for Google

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

A wide array of tech companies are siding with Google in its copyright battle against Oracle — a rival to some of the companies — in filings with the Supreme Court Monday.

The big picture: The case revolves around key questions of software copyright and fair use that could have major consequences for the industry.

Go deeperJan 14, 2020

Sam Baker

Trump's selective urgency at the Supreme Court

Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images

The Trump administration has consistently tried to get controversial cases in front of the Supreme Court as quickly as possible — but not when that might have meant striking down the entire Affordable Care Act before the 2020 election.

Why it matters: Trump’s Justice Department has tried to leapfrog the traditional process far more than its predecessors did, and at least one Supreme Court justice seems to be worried that it’s affecting the court’s work.

Go deeperJan 23, 2020

Ina Fried

White House floats a new 5G plan to counter Huawei

Illustration: Lazaro Gamio/Axios

In its latest move to counteract a perceived threat from Huawei, the Trump administration proposed a new approach to 5G networks that would rely on virtualization and other features to give U.S. companies a broader role, as first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Why it matters: Right now, none of Huawei's traditional networking gear rivals are U.S.-based, and their products are typically more expensive than Huawei's.

Go deeperFeb 5, 2020 - Technology