CNet debates how bad this might be for Android.
CNET looks at why the Android community should be a little more nervous after today's ruling.
While the monetary damages are significant, they pale in comparison to the precedent set by this jury that Apple's design patents are valid and worth protection, giving it license to go after any company with a similar looking product. That's bad news for any company building an Android smartphone or tablet.
"This is a big loss for Google," said Roger Entner, an analyst at Recon Analytics. "There were actually two parties being sued by Apple. Google just wasn't named."
So yes, the battle may range on for another few years. But thanks to this decision, public perception will be on Apple's side. The decision was so lopsided that it has to make all of the other Android partners a bit nervous. While an appeal is an option, it doesn't look good.
Even as the legal machinations roll on, Android players may indeed start lining up to strike licensing deals with Apple.
Do any of them want to subject themselves the kind of circus that Samsung has had to deal with? Samsung spent the last few weeks revealing all kinds of juicy details and pouring resources into a legal strategy that ultimately was fruitless.
Samsung is by far the strongest Android player, and had the resources to mount the best possible legal campaign. In addition, Google had been quietly providing its own support.
But if all of that wasn't enough, what chances does HTC or LG have if Apple were to begin looking elsewhere? HTC is already smarting from a loss with the ITC, and isn't relishing another legal clash against Apple.
With many Android users already paying a license fee to Microsoft, and now needing to pay an additional fee to Apple, Google's free operating system isn't as free as it used to be.
"Google distributes Android for free, but the IP licensing costs -- from Apple lawsuits and Microsoft's successful IP licensing business -- are getting quite expensive," said Avi Greengart, an analyst at Current Analysis.
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