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Paid Media Must Be Disclosed In Oracle v. Google

Posted by Soulskill on from the bring-out-your-shills dept.

jfruh writes "One of the odder moments during the Oracle v. Google trial over Java patents came when patent blogger Florian Mueller disclosed that he had a 'consulting relationship' with Oracle. Now it looks like we're going to find out which other tech bloggers and journalists were on the payroll of one of the two sides in this epic fight. Judge William Alsup has ordered (PDF) that both parties disclose 'all authors, journalists, commentators or bloggers who have reported or commented on any issues in this case and who have received money (other than normal subscription fees) from the party or its counsel during the pendency of this action.'"

1 of 165 comments (clear)

  1. Judge William Alsup for Supreme Court! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This may have nothing to do with anonymous speech. When "expert" opinions are being considered in court, they must be able to withstand scrutiny. Florian Mueller is not just some random interested party, he published an article claiming that he had evidence of copyright infringement.

    http://www.fosspatents.com/2011/01/new-evidence-supports-oracles-case.html

    If Oracle used his opinions in court, Google should be given the opportunity to cross examine him.

    Either way, it is nice to see someone rubbing Florian's nose in it. Another great ruling by Judge Alsup!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florian_M%C3%BCller#Google_vs_Oracle_copyright