Apple to court: halt Motorola Mobility patent suits until Google acquisition is final

Apple recently asked a court to put two pending lawsuits with Motorola Mobility on hold, FOSSPatents reported on Monday. Apple believes that Google’s planned $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility has resulted in a forfeiture of Motorola’s patent litigation rights. “Apple should not have to face the threat of an injunction based on the claims of a party that now has no standing to bring those claims,” the company argued. Apple currently has 21 patents-in-suit against Motorola Mobility, FOSSPatents said, and the iPhone maker is worried the results of a potential court win against Motorola will be moot once Google finishes its acquisition. “Were Apple to prevail in this case it risks an attack on its victory on appeal by a third party, whether Google or another Android smartphone manufacturer, contending that the judgement should be overturned due to a lack of prudential standing,” Apple said. Google CEO Larry Page hopes the acquisition of Motorola Mobility will bolster Google’s patent portfolio and help it defend Android partners against Apple and Microsoft.

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