Germany could ban Google Maps over patent row

PanARMENIAN.Net - Google Maps could be banned in Germany due to a patent dispute between its platform holder and Microsoft in the country, Digital Spy said.

The judge overseeing the lawsuit has reportedly sided with the Windows firm, and is inclined to have the mapping service withdraw from the domestic market.

Google is accused of violating Microsoft's patent for a "computer system for identifying local resources and method therefore".

Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents explained: "Microsoft is seeking, and now very likely to obtain, a German patent injunction against the Google Maps service, the Google Maps Android client app, and web browsers providing access to Google Maps.

"In order to comply with the injunction that looms large, Google would have to disable access to Google Maps from computers using a German IP address, discontinue shipping the Google Maps Android app in the German market, and distribute web browsers in Germany only if they block access to Google Maps in a way comparable to Internet filters used for the purpose of parental controls."

A final ruling on the matter is expected to be made within the next two months.