Halloween is a bit from far and so is the trial date for Google and Oracle, but there is a new court order which points out that there could be a possible settlement between the two. The case seems to just heat up a bit with this mediation plan adopted by the court. The dispute relating to the patent infringement relates to many parties other than just these two, but the court’s plan has opted to call for a mediation between these two for the time being. This plan might inspire hopes for a settlement between these two companies.
The order was briefed up on Friday afternoon which was issued by Judge William Alsup of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The order noted that the “top executive officers” of both the companies might have to appear in the court for a day or two as it may be ordered. The “top executive officers” criteria may be fulfilled by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and Google CEO Larry Page and this would add a lot to the real time court room drama action.
Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents noted that the “top executive officers” might not necessarily mean that the CEOs will have to be in for the mediation order in the court. The possibility of the lawyers of the respective parties to work for the exemption of the CEOs to be present is likely. The reason for the exemption could be that spending one or two full days in the court could be burdensome for the top-level executives of both the companies. Additionally, the possibility of the desired result is quite unlikely.
Mueller added that they would add in their creative quotient as the argument is for a compulsory high-level settlement negotiation. On the other hand, the parties would even try their level best to keep out of their uncooperative nature from this specific mediation order. Mueller even said that in his expectation, the corporates would throw in an argument that the trial date seems to be uncertain, which would land in on deaf ears as it would nor t really impress the judge. The judge would even want the parties to be prepared in each and every aspect for the trial date without thinking much of the postponement which could be possible in future.
The spokespersons and lawyers are yet to make a comment on the order which has been passed for the mediation. The response from these spokespersons and lawyers would even be awaited by Judge Alsup as he believes that this would give him early indications of the corporates’ plan for the settlement.
However, the order has been decided to see the “top executive officers” in the court on Wednesday, September 7th. The reluctance of the “top executive officers” coming for the judgment is likely and if this happens, the shift would be more incline for a settlement.
One can view the complete order posted for the mediation here.