Microsoft, Google Spar over Patents

If the sparring is a bit unusual, it might be because the stakes are so high. Many observers say patents might be emerging as a way for Android competitors to raise costs for every Android handset sold, at the very least. In other cases, where cross licensing is not possible or desired by some contestants, some Android software might have to be completely rewritten. Where patents cover processes, even that might not be entirely possible, at least in principle.