Oracle subpoenaes Apache dealings with Google

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY VENDOR Oracle has subpoenaed the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) to produce documents relating to Apache Harmony in Google's Android operating system.

The ASF is caught up in Oracle's lawsuit against Google in which Oracle alleges that Google infringed its Java patents with the Android operating system. Oracle has subpoenaed the ASF to hand over all communications between Google and ASF, whether or not they went through the Open Handset Alliance regarding Apache Harmony, as well as those relating to the ASF's failed bid to acquire a license for Java SE from the then license holder Sun Microsystems.

Oracle has given the ASF until 13 May to produce the required documents. The ASF said it will comply with the court's requirements and added, "As an open development group the majority of our documents are already publicly available."

With the news that the ASF has been asked to provide evidence of its dealings with Google, Oracle's lawsuit against Google now has the possibility of snaring many third parties. The ASF isn't part of the Open Handset Alliance, but large firms such as Dell, Intel, LG, Sony, Nvidia, Samsung, Toshiba and many others could now be in the line of fire to hand over correspondence as Oracle tries to bolster its case against Google. µ