Google Maps Germany: Is Google Maps Being Blocked in Germany?

Google Maps Germany: Most people are well aware of the fact that Germany is one of Europe’s biggest market. For this reason, it only makes sense that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) would spend a lot of time in the country, especially with its popular Maps feature.

Google is one of the hedge fund industry’s most popular stock picks, and it’s always important to pay attention to the smart money (see just why here).

So, what is the problem? Right now, the search engine giant is at a standstill while it deals with a patent injunction brought forth by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).

Here is what ZDNet had to say about the matter:

“The rivals were in Munich I Regional Court in Germany on Thursday continuing a battle over a Microsoft’s European patent EP0945124 for a “computer system for identifying local resources and method therefore” that Microsoft applied for in 1995.”

As you can see, Microsoft has had a patent on this sort of technology for nearly 20 years. For this reason, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has run into quite a bit of resistance breaking into the market with its Maps feature.

With all this in mind, you may be wondering what will happen when a decision finally comes in. While the same article is reporting that it will be a couple of months until a decision is made, here is what could happen if MSFT comes out on top:

“If Microsoft does win the injunction, Google will need to stop shipping the Google Maps Android app in Germany, disable access to Google Maps for computers on a German IP address, and exclude Google Maps from its browsers used in the country.”

As you can see, this would be a big blow to Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Maps in Germany. In fact, it would basically wipe it clean from the country.

The article also touches on some information direct from Google:

“Google’s own counsel told the court today that Google would suffer irreparable harm if it had to shut down a key part of its Google Maps service in Germany and that customers who then use competing services (such a Microsoft’s Bing Maps, which Judge Dr. Zigann mentioned) may never return to Google Maps.”

This is a big story for Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) in Germany. We will keep you posted.

Check back here for more updates on Google Maps Germany.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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