December 17, 2014
At the middle of December 2014, which is now of course, Google and Verizon signed an important document which states that the two giants reached a long term patent cross-license agreement. Both parts exposed their official positions even though it isn’t very clear the direction in which this partnership heads. It looks like Verizon wants to be sure that the new entry of Google Fiber on the US market don’t affects in anyhow the experienced producer and Google also wants to know from the start were to avoid some patent problems.
“This cross license allows both companies to focus on delivering great products and services to consumers around the world. We’re pleased to enter into this agreement with an industry leader like Verizon, and we welcome discussions with any company interested in a similar arrangement”, said Kirk Dailey, Head of Patent Transactions at Google.
“Verizon has long championed patent reforms and industry actions that promote innovation. We look forward to striking similar deals with other high-tech companies also concerned with the innovation tax that patent trolls often collect”, is the position of Verizon General Counsel Randal Milch.
At this moment, Google considers expanding its Fiber into 34 cities from the territory of the US and none are Verizon FiOS market at this moment. So if they will launch even an ISP in all 34 locations, they, Google, will only compete with Comcast, AT&T, Time Warner Cable and Cox Communications, but not with Verizon.