Moto G and Moto X
are one of the most popular android phones on the market. They have
sold a lot of shipments and with great updates support from Motorola,
the buyers are pleased and more are willing to buy more.
But this successful
wave of big shipments, high profits, high acclaim and a satisfied
user base has hit a snag. Motorola phones have encountered a speed
bump in Germany which may cause them to recall and stop selling all
their handsets in Germany. The litigation pending in the German
courts is that of copy right infringement. Just after Lenovo bought Motorola from Google, it has been found that Motorola phones aka the
Moto G and Moto X sold in Germany infringe on copyrights of LPKF.
The litigation is
that Motorola phones are using Antennas of LPKF without proper
remuneration which amounts to infringement. LPKF laser electronics is
an electronics equipment manufacturer in Germany. Due to these issues
it has been told that Motorola needs to recall all its Moto G and X
handsets and stop selling them. It remains to be seen if previous
buyers are stripped of their handsets as well or not. This has put
some issues into the other wise smooth selling spree of Motorola
phones. Especially Germany being a developed market with a lot of
geeky users, it may cost Motoroala dear if they have to do the recall.
Not only Motorola will loose profits on new sales it will also need
to refund users the money of those who already purchased the device and will also
leave a whole lot of unsatisfied users.
Although the recall
seems eminent it is yet to be seen whether LPKF will pursue their
case against Motorola or not. If they press the case then it may be a
dead end for Motorola. It also remains to be seen if this case is
pushed in other countries as well, which could badly affect Motorola.
On Motorola's part they are going to appeal the German courts to
prevent the recall of their devices. Moto may also decide to pay the
licensing fees and settle the issue with LPKF once and for all.
More details may emerge soon on whether this case will be tried in
other countries as well.
Image courtesy FLIPKART