Apple Takes on the Galaxy Nexus, and by Association, Google ⇥

Florian Mueller notes that Apple is pulling out the big guns:

When companies like Apple assert patents against Android devices, some of the infringement contentions relate to features that reside at the level of extensions developed by OEMs. Google has sometimes refrained from implementing certain features in “stock Android” just to steer clear of infringement, knowing that some of those functionalities would be implemented by OEMs anyway.

In this case, stock Android itself is at issue. This means that Google cannot deny its undivided responsibility for any infringement findings.

As always, Mueller’s analysis is respectable and fine-grained. I find these patent wars ridiculous, to an extent, but Apple isn’t going to sit around and let everyone else sue them, either. Don’t write to me and let me know how Apple is the instigator, because I will mock you. These are battles that go many ways.

Also, you’ll note that they aren’t suing Windows Phone 7, or manufacturers of those products. Google had the opportunity to make Android something unique and interesting, but they blew it. Of course, they can differentiate Android now, but it’ll be by the force of the courts, not their own will.