Law firm sues Google for supplying apps on Android

An American law firm is suing Google on behalf of two Android users over the collaboration agreement with manufacturers to deliver Google apps with Android smartphones. According to the company, that stands in the way of competition.

The law firm has filed suit in the Northern District Court of California. The office claims on behalf of two Android users, one with an HTC Evo 3D and the other with a Samsung Galaxy S III, that they would have been better off without the agreement that saw HTC and Samsung ship Google apps with the device. “Put simply, there is no legal, pro-competitive reason for Google to license terms to provide popular Google apps,” claims attorney Steve Berman.

According to the lawyer, Google has used the agreement to gain an advantage over competitors. “The more you use a search engine, the better it gets. Instead of legitimately beating competitors, Google has thwarted the competition with this cynical, anti-consumer plan.” The charge appeals to antitrust laws and is a class action case; so any American can join it.

Google says in a statement that it is not guilty of the practices that the law firm accuses the company. “Anyone can use Android without Google and anyone can use Google without Android. Since Android’s introduction, increased competition in the smartphone space has given consumers more choice at lower prices.”

It is not the first time that Google has come under fire for bringing many of its services on Android. Microsoft and Nokia have already filed a complaint against Google with the European Union for the same reason.