Can Oracle collect on Android too?

Oracle is working hard to keep its Java patent claims going in its ongoing lawsuit against Google over Android and if you follow the money the reasons are fairly obvious. Oracle wants to collect from Android device makers just like Microsoft does.

Florian Mueller recaps the latest on Oracle's efforts to keep its Java patents going. Oracle is suing Google and wants big Android damages and royalties. Mueller noted that Oracle wants to notch a Google win and then go after other device makers.

But there's another possibility: Oracle could go after device makers now even before the result of the Google trial. Wouldn't some device makers pay Oracle a royalty fee for protection regardless of the Google lawsuit outcome?

Also see: Google's Android IP headache may become a migraine

Microsoft is already announcing a bevy of licensing deals with Android device makers such as General Dynamics Itronix, Onkyo and Wistron. The common thread between these device makers: They're all too small to waste time losing to Microsoft in court. Once Microsoft nailed a licensing deal with HTC all the smaller players had to fall in line.

Oracle could just use Microsoft's Android playbook with its Java patents.

In the end, you could have a nightmare scenario for Android. Anyone can use the free OS, but first you have to pay Microsoft and Oracle before possibly being sued by Apple, who isn't likely to license its patents on any terms to a rival.

Related:

• Google pans Oracle damages argument: Java was fragmented well before Android
• Oracle wants big cut of Android damages as Google’s IP headache gets worse
• Oracle vs. Google over Java: Android lawsuits may begin to pile up
• Oracle says Google directly copied Java code: Here’s the line-by-line comparison
• Google: We didn’t infringe on Java; Oracle’s smoking code was rigged