Watch CBS News

Google-Oracle Jury Reaches Impasse On Key Issue

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) - A federal jury in San Francisco has reached an impasse on a key issue in Oracle's copyright-infringement case against Google, handing the database-software company a major setback.

Oracle sought millions of dollars in damages after claiming that Google Inc. built its popular Android mobile software by stealing some of the technology from Java, a programming platform that Oracle Corp. bought two years ago.

The jury found that Google infringed on the largest of Oracle's claims, but it couldn't agree on whether Google's use was legally protected "fair use." Without that determination, it will be difficult for Oracle to win major damages.

Google is moving for a mistrial. Google prevailed on two other claims.

Google has argued that it only used parts of Java that have always been freely available.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.