14 DAY TRIAL // Oracle's lawsuit against Google, over Java used in Android, is underway. Oracle is alleging that Android violates several Java patents and that it even copied some code wholesale. Google, on the other hand, argues that there is no copyright for APIs and all it did was use open tools and technology in Android.
The decision in this case will be very important for the tech world as a whole. Yet, as it gets underway.
Oracle's case is weaker than it was starting out. Many of the patents it claimed were being infringed were thrown out, leaving the potential for a damage award significantly smaller.
And even if Oracle can prove that Google copied Java code that was not offered freely, the code is such a small portion of the Android source, that it may not be enough for it to be labeled infringement.
As the lawsuit got underway, both CEOs took the stand. Oracle CEO, Larry Ellison took the stand first and revealed that Oracle thought about building its own phone, by buying Palm or RIM, but eventually decided against the idea.
He also said he talked to both former CEO Eric Schmidt and current CEO Larry Page about licensing Java or adapting the Android Java to the industry standard. That never happened.
Google's CEO also took the stand for a few minutes and will be back in court today. He testified that he believes Google "did nothing wrong" and that he wasn't aware of any copying, but he wouldn't know in any case since he didn't directly oversee the product or check for this kind of things.
Before any of this started, the judge wanted to make sure that the case was not being portrayed as Java vs. Android since it actually involved only a small bit of code. The trial is set to last for about 10 weeks.