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Germany could ban Google Maps over Microsoft patent dispute

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By Jennifer Faull, Deputy Editor

March 10, 2013 | 1 min read

Google Maps is facing the prospect of a German ban over a patent dispute between its platform holder and Microsoft.

Google has been accused of breaking Microsoft's patent for a "computer system for identifying local resources and method therefore".

Further reports have suggested that the judge overseeing the lawsuit has taken the side of Microsoft, which could see Google Maps withdraw from the domestic market in the country. A final decision will be made within two months.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Florian Mueller from 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."

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