Oracle claims Google 'directly copied' Java code for Android

Software giant Oracle has updated its intellectual property lawsuit against Google, alleging that the digital services kingpin's Android mobile operating system "directly copied" elements of the Java programming language, acquired by Oracle in April 2009 when it purchased rival Sun Microsystems for about $7.4 billion. While Oracle's original complaint, filed in August in federal court in California, supplied few details about the alleged infringement, an amended complaint filed Wednesday includes specific examples of code attached as exhibits. The complaint states that "approximately one third of Android's Application Programmer Interface (API) packages" are "derivative of Oracle's copyrighted Java API packages" and related documents.

"The infringed elements of Oracle America's copyrighted work include Java method and class names, definitions, organization, and parameters; the structure, organization and content of Java class libraries; and the content and organization of Java's documentation," Oracle says. "In at least several instances, Android computer program code also was directly copied from copyrighted Oracle America code."

Earlier this month, Google filed a petition to toss out the Oracle lawsuit, denying all seven patent infringement charges outlined by Oracle and requesting that the court dismiss a copyright infringement claim that Google believes to be "legally deficient." According to Google, the patents in question have been dedicated to public use, adding that while Android utilizes Java, the OS was created independently.

The Google filing also is sharply critical of Oracle's handling of Java, contending that prior to acquiring Sun, Oracle aggressively pushed for an open Java platform--Google argues that once Oracle assumed control of Java, it has ignored the software community's requests to fully open-source the platform. In an email statement, a Google spokesperson said "It's disappointing that after years of supporting open source, Oracle turned around to attack not just Android, but the entire open source Java community with vague software patent claims. Open platforms like Android are essential to innovation, and we will continue to support the open source community to make the mobile experience better for consumers and developers alike."A hearing scheduled for Nov. 17 will evaluate Google's request to dismiss the copyright claim.

For more on the amended Oracle suit:
- read this ComputerWorld article

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