Google Scores Unlock Patent, Rivals Apple

Google has a new patent on a slide-to-unlock feature that lets you unlock the phone and place a certain command, like making a phone call or opening email without going through the home screen.

This development affects the Android versus iPhone competition on two fronts, largely due to Apple's existing patent on slide-to-unlock interaction. In the courtroom, Google's innovation prevents future lawsuits from Apple once Android manufacturers implement the unlocking feature on new devices. In the retail market, the uniqueness of the feature exclusive to Android will be a distinctive feature for new products, letting the OS differentiate itself from its rival.

Apple's slide-to-unlock feature brings users back to the last open screen. Google takes that one step further -- according to the new patent, opening the device requires users to drag a specific icon over the unlock button, which automatically opens that feature. And at a time when dozens of Android models are competing with Apple's sole iPhone, the efficiency of unlocking commands is a selling point for Google-powered devices.

Google's patent could help it avoid future skirmishes in the patent legal battles ramping up around Android. Apple's own patent for the slide-to-unlock feature, issued last year, led to victory in a German court over Motorola, resulting a sales ban and potentially setting a legal precedent. The same patent is grounds for a Samsung infringement case.

Since slide-to-unlock is a common smartphone feature, the feature could be a dangerous patent for Google since Apple may threaten any Android manufacturer with accusations of infringing upon it. Google's new command unlocking patent, however, could allow it to avoids these threat altogether, though Google's new patent may not have an effect on pending cases over devices with existing unlocking technologies.

The added functionality of unlocking in Google's new patent could give it an edge above Apple. The iPhone maker will not be able to integrate the feature itself without a licensing agreement, or else it risks a lawsuit from Google.

If competitive manufacturers want to stay out of court, securing ownership over hardware and operating features is the most surefire for protection from lawsuits. In Google's case, the ability to innovate around technologies protects it from Apple's infringement threats in the form of a feature that appeals to smartphone consumers.