Oracle wants to question Google CEO Larry Page on Android

By Geoff Duncan Published July 15, 2011

Oracle’s patent infringement claims against Google over the Dalvik virtual machine built into the Android operating system continues to escalate, with Oracle submitting a request to the judge in the case to depose current Google CEO Larry Page. Oracle argues questioning page is germane because Page participated in negotiations between Google and Sun (now owned by Oracle) over a license to use Java technology in Android. Further, Oracle asserts that Page, as a Google co-founder and senior exec, may have made the decision for Google to acquire made the decision to acquire Android back in 2005.

The filing seems to have first been reported by FOSS Patents.

Recommended Videos

Oracle’s request to depose Page comes towards the end of the discovery period of the case. Oracle has already deposed Android co-founder and Google’s current Android VP Andy Rubin. In the same document, Google characterizes Oracle’s request to depose Page as amounting to harassment, claiming that any testimony by Page would essentially duplicate testimony from other witnesses, such as Rubin. However, some industry watchers believe Oracle’s request may succeed, the judge in charge of the case has displayed interest in Page’s role in Java licensing negotiations with Sun.

Oracle also wants to depose selected former Google employees who worked on Android, as well as Tim Lindholm, a former Sun employee who currently works on Android.

Earlier this month, Google requested to depose Oracle CEO Larry Ellison.

Oracle is seeking some $2.6 billion from Google for alleged infringement on Java technologies in the Android operating system. Google has maintained that the virtual machine included with Android is distinct from the Java VM Oracle acquired with Sun Microsystems, and does not infringe on Oracle’s patents.

Former Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Topics

Google

Phones

The best note-taking apps for iOS and Android

I tested these apps for months so your notes never have to switch homes again.

iPhone showing note-taking apps

Choosing a note-taking app is not easy. What note-taking app you choose depends on your needs, the platform you use, and of course, the cost. The process becomes even more complicated as it seems that there’s a new shiny app released every other week.

That’s why I always suggest choosing a note-taking app that has all the features you need and can last you for a long time. Also, don’t chase new apps. The real power of a note-taking app comes when all your notes live in one place, making it easy to spot connections between them.

Phones

The best phones in 2026: our 14 favorite smartphones right now

We tested phones across all price brackets so that you can make the best pick based on your needs and budget.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold vs Galaxy Z Fold 7 cameras

Choosing the right smartphone in 2026 is no easy task. Apple and Android manufacturers now have strong options at almost every price, while better cameras, longer battery life, improved software support, new AI features, and more refined foldable designs have made the market more competitive than ever. But picking one is not easy, especially if your budget is tight, or you are just legitimately concerned about getting the best value for your money and need a reliable daily driver for long-term usage.

We have tested and compared the leading smartphones available today, looking beyond the spec sheet to see how they actually perform in daily use. Camera quality, battery life, performance, display quality, software, design, and long-term value all play a part in our recommendations. Whether you are looking for a powerful flagship, a dependable budget phone, a compact device, or a foldable, this guide should help narrow down your choices.

Mobile

Snapchat Planets Meaning: Order, Rankings, and How Friend Solar System Works

Snapchat Planets turns your best friends list into a solar system, and yes, your orbit says a lot

Snapchat Planets being shown on the Snapchat app on iPhone.

Snapchat+ includes several exclusive features, but few have generated as much curiosity as Snapchat Planets. Part of the app's Friend Solar System, it transforms your Best Friends list into a planetary ranking, assigning each of your top eight friends a planet based on how often you interact.

From Mercury, which represents your closest friend, to Neptune, which represents your eighth closest, the system offers a quick visual snapshot of your interactions. But what do the different planets actually mean, and how does Snapchat decide who gets which one?