Google responds to Apple v. Samsung: It doesn’t apply to Android

Google hinted today that it will likely be unaffected by Samsung’s court loss to Apple over patents related to the iPhone’s design. Samsung’s stock has taken a hit today, as it will have to pay $1.05 billion for violating Apple’s patents based on a jury ruling on Friday. Google supplies the core Android operating system for Samsung’s smartphones and tablets.

Google said that the claims involved in the patent case don’t relate to the core software. But if Samsung is forced to stop selling its smartphones and tablets in the U.S., as Apple is expected to request, the number of Android shipments could suffer.

Google said, “The court of appeals will review both infringement and the validity of the patent claims. Most of these don’t relate to the core Android operating system, and several are being re-examined by the U.S. Patent Office. The mobile industry is moving fast and all players — including newcomers — are building upon ideas that have been around for decades. We work with our partners to give consumers innovative and affordable products, and we don’t want anything to limit that.”

[Image credit: VentureBeat]