Google ordered to release Android development data

A U.S. federal judge has ordered Google Inc. and Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. to hand over information on Google's Android operating system, as part of a patent lawsuit filed by Apple in 2010.

According to reports in Bloomberg, U.S Court of Appeals Judge Richard Posner ruled in favour of Apple for demanding information about Google's $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola and documentation of Google's Android operating system.

Based on a March 2nd filing requesting the judge's order, Apple's lawyers argue that the information requested is apt for its case since it will reveal the value placed upon Motorola device features that allegedly infringe on Apple's patents. Apple argues saying that many Motorola devices have infringed upon the iPhone makers' patents involving touch screen interfaces and other technologies. Motorola then countersued.

Lawyers on behalf of Motorola Mobility opposed Apple's request saying that Google is not a part of the lawsuit and Motorola cannot force Google to provide documents or witnesses over Google's objections.

The judge presiding over the this case, has scheduled consecutive trials before separate juries commencing June 11th. The first trial will address six Apple patents while the second will cover three Motorola patents.

Both Motorola and Google have declined to comment over the court's ruling.