Seattle, Logic’s home base in North America.
The whole company was filled with a chilling atmosphere.
The door to the office was closed, and Guo Xing and Sol were seen sitting on the sofa, looking at Lu Fei who was standing.
"Goodman, what did they say? What is the basis for the antitrust investigation against us?" He took a bite of the orange.
Saul knew in his heart that "they" were "old men" who had hired former Ministry of Justice and Trade Commission consultants as consultants in the Ministry of Justice.
In America, the revolving door makes sense.
"They said that the Antitrust Association believes that most of the companies in the consortium, such as Logic, Microsoft, and Motorola, all produce smartphones and own many wireless technology patents. They should quote prices independently and should not be allowed to cooperate in a group. They feel that the Ministry of Justice initially We cannot approve such a group to be eligible to bid.”
"The same goes for Apple and Ericsson."
Guo Xing curled his lips, "Isn't it too much of a double standard?"
"Will this antitrust investigation be accepted?"
Lu Fei took a few steps.
"Nothing goes wrong, it will be accepted."
Saul crossed his arms. It was still unclear whether the Ministry of Justice or the Trade Commission was investigating this matter. Of course, the Ministry of Justice would definitely be better than the Trade Commission. After all, the Ministry of Justice had already approved it. There was no need to overturn his previous conclusion, which would be a slap in the face. . "
“What if it’s the Board of Trade?”
Lu Fei wiped his mouth with a tissue.
"It's not that bad either."
Saul shrugged, "We have promised to license industry standard patents under the principle of fairness, reasonableness and non-discrimination, leaving no excuse for antitrust investigations. Moreover, Android is free and open, unlike IOS, as long as we bite the bullet , just to provide a protective umbrella for other members of the Android camp."
"Dong dong dong~"
Zhang Tianmei knocked on the door and walked in hurriedly.
She turned on the TV the next second, and the channel was directly locked on Forbes Financial News, which was broadcasting the special news "Is Nortel Networks' patent acquisition suspected of being a monopoly?"
As special commentators, the Donkey Party members were full of fire.
Not only did they criticize Google, Microsoft, and Motorola for compromising themselves, but they actually collaborated with Logic and gave over 6,000 patented technologies to Logic, helping Logic suppress Apple——
It’s simply aiding the evildoer!
Are imported products so good?
And the words are shocking. Nortel Networks patents involve national security, and the logic has touched the core sensitive areas. The logic must be attacked hard, with lawsuits, restrictions, and even sanctions!
In short, America has been suffering from logic for a long time!
A day without logic is a good day!
"They connected really well!"
Lu Fei raised his eyebrows.
"This is America. Politicians have always been performing in the front stage, and capital is writing the script in the background. The ultimate goal is to maximize their interests." Saul couldn't help but sigh, "It seems that Apple and Intel have spent a lot of money. They have to We cannot prevent you from obtaining Nortel Networks patents."
"Mr. Lu, will it affect..."
Guo Xing was excited.
"No! They still expect us to buy U.S. bonds and help them get out of the subprime mortgage crisis. They haven't completely broken up with us yet. These few are just cheering for Apple and the others." Lu Fei rolled his eyes. Sol, instead of speaking English, he speaks Chinese.
"Mr. Lu, you really have said it, what should we do now?" Guo Xing praised Mr. Lu from the bottom of his heart for being wise and tilting the logical focus of Western business to Europe in advance.
“If you don’t seek victory, seek defeat first.”
Lu Fei took a sip of water and said, "Lao Guo, didn't you say that you have prepared two alternative plans in case the bidding fails? What two plans are there?"
"The first set is that InterDigital has more than 1,000 patents that it is willing to sell. The patents are all related to wireless and mobile technologies, but they are not as numerous and comprehensive as Nortel Networks."
"What about the second one?"
“Second is Motorola Mobility!”
Guo Xing was confused for a while: "But it is so difficult to acquire Nortel Networks now. Motorola has 17,000 patents and two to three thousand patents being applied for. It is even less likely that the United States will let us get it, and the price is not Nortel Networks can compare with a wholly-owned acquisition of at least US$11 billion."
Saul suggested: "Lu, since the Android system has Google's share, why not let Google buy it separately in its own name, and then open the license to the entire Android camp."
Lu Fei touched his chin and made a decision.
Inform Schmidt of the first plan, and discuss the second plan after Nortel Networks acquires it.
After explaining to Guo Xing, he looked at Zhang Tianmei:
"Gather together the media that have a good relationship with us and hold a press conference in the name of the entire consortium. We must clarify all remarks that are not conducive to the Nortel Networks acquisition!"
"Okay, Mr. Lu."
Zhang Tianmei walked out quickly and made arrangements immediately.
"That's not enough. I have to make a few more calls."
Lu Fei crossed his arms. It was time to get some interest back on the coins thrown out by the Three-Body Fund, such as the bottomless THL Fund.
Steve Jobs, do you think you are the only one with a gun?
Do you dare to point a gun at me? Dare you want to fight with me?
…………
On February 24, Logic held a grand press conference at the Washington Common Building in Seattle.
On this day, whether it is print media such as the New York Times or television media such as NBC, almost all media in the United States are out in force. Mainstream media and online media in China have also traveled thousands of miles to come across the ocean, and even Phoenix TV, including Hong Kong The media came from three companies and all attended the scene in person.
It was just a press conference, but the event was unprecedented.
After all, this is China’s first mainland company to be investigated by the U.S. antitrust investigation, which has record-breaking historical significance.
What's more important is that before the press conference, although only 11 days had passed since the Nortel Networks patent auction, small-scale demonstrations broke out in three or four red and blue states.
They are all using the banner of "resist logic and support domestic products"!
All the slogans shouted were to veto the results of the patent auction!
I originally thought that the Nortel Networks patent auction would attract global attention, but I never expected that there would be such a wonderful follow-up.
Even a TV series can’t be filmed.
Coerced by the triple public opinion of lawmakers, the public, and the media, the antitrust association gained support and claimed to have received joint letters from many companies demanding a thorough investigation of the acquisition case.
The entire scientific and technological circle in the United States can't help but be shaken.
The antitrust department finally couldn't continue to be an ostrich and had to launch an investigation into this matter. Fortunately, it was the Ministry of Justice who accepted the case, but in any case, they still went for logic.
Logically, most of the labels are still Mr. Lu.
Targeting logic means targeting Mr. Lu!
At 9:30 in the morning, the conference hall was already overcrowded.
In addition to the major newspapers of the two countries, the best seats in the first row also sit among all consortium members including Google, Microsoft, and Huawei, as well as allies in the Android camp like Samsung.
The lineup is huge and the momentum is huge.
Lu Fei walked over with a smile on his face, and the atmosphere at the scene suddenly became quiet, followed by a click of the flash.
"Cough cough cough."
“Thank you all for taking the trouble to come.”
Lu Fei went straight to the topic with a look of helplessness on his face: "About Nortel Networks' patent antitrust matter, I felt it was extremely absurd when I first heard about it. I thought it was an April Fool's Day joke. After receiving calls from friends such as Larry and Gates, After the phone call, I realized it wasn’t.”
"That's even more ridiculous!"
“Our entire group’s acquisition of Nortel Networks patents was approved by the Department of Justice and fully complies with all procedures!”
He pursed his lips and said solemnly: "So for such a press conference, it is necessary to talk about the bidding and auction."
Along with this sentence, the projection screen behind showed the total number of wireless communication, data network and other patents currently held by Logic and Google, which barely exceeded 1,000.
"Android is a free and open source system."
“It relies on some exclusive functions not developed by Google and Logic, and allows developers around the world to modify the system code. This puts Google, Logic, and Android phone manufacturers in danger of patent litigation. Other friends will never let this go. a little!"
"It will unfairly hinder the development of mobile phone manufacturers using the Android system reasonably. By continuously using the patent conflicts caused by the Android system to exert pressure, it will eventually force mobile phone manufacturers to abandon this system and completely drive Android out of the smartphone market."
"So we acquired Nortel Networks patents..."
Lu Fei stretched out a finger: "The main purpose is not to target anyone, but to prevent being targeted and to protect mobile phone manufacturers based on the Android system from the interference of legal proceedings."
Having said this, he immediately invited Schmidt, Sanjay Jia, and Sun Yafang, who were sitting in the first row, representing Google, Motorola, and Huawei respectively, to confirm that what Mr. Lu said was true.
"Hiss~"
There was some commotion in the conference hall. The Android camp had a large number of people, but it was you who were bullied? Are you the vulnerable group?
As soon as the opening remarks were over, it was the reporters' turn to ask questions.
The Wall Street Journal reporter was named by Lu Fei and stood up immediately: "Lu, according to your point of view, the logic is that the reason why Google wants to buy these patents is to prevent being suppressed by Apple, not to suppress Apple?"
"That's right!"
"If you pay attention to the recent infringement cases in the technology circle, you will know that Oracle sued Google for infringement, and Apple sued HTC, Samsung, and Motorola for infringement. But what about us?"
Lu Fei made a "0" gesture and then snapped his fingers. Zhang Tianmei immediately switched the projection to the prepared PPT.
Above, the objects and quantities of patent infringement cases are clearly listed, as well as what aspects of patent infringement are involved.
Obviously, Apple, Nokia, and RIM are the attackers.
"Rather than saying that we are suppressing them, it is better that they are suppressing us, especially Apple. It is totally a thief shouting to catch the thief!"
"You can imagine if Apple had obtained Nortel's patent instead of us, would it have intensified its lawsuit against us..."
"The Apple patent lawsuit is about shooting people with machine guns, and we just want to buy a body armor and a shield."
Lu Fei spoke eloquently, describing Logic, Google and all manufacturers in the Android camp as honest people who were passively beaten.
The implication is that Apple is bullying honest people!
What kind of bullshit is this? Do good people deserve to be held at gunpoint?
Can't you buy some patented self-defense?
"The acquisition of Nortel Networks patents has no monopoly motive at all. It is purely a defensive strategy to counter Apple and other companies' hostile and organized patent litigation against manufacturers in the Android camp. Google and I have no selfish motives."
"We are working for the future of smartphones!"
Lu Fei said he was a little thirsty and drank some water.
The reporters below looked at each other in silence.
However, the BBC, which has always supported Apple, stood up and questioned loudly: "Lu, the patent litigation is to protect its legitimate rights and interests. What Apple does is legal and legal. You said Apple is suppressing you, do you have any evidence? For what reason?" !”
"The reason is simple."
"Because Android is the only free and open source smartphone operating system in the world, no company, including Logic and Google, can dominate it."
"And Apple's IOS is truly closed!"
Lu Fei raised his hand, and the trademarks of friends from the Android camp immediately appeared on the slide, densely packed and spectacular.
"Samsung, HTC, Huawei, Motorola, and many more potential partners like Sony. Nortel Networks' patent protection not only protects us, but also protects them, and it also protects our friends who will join the Android family in the future. How can we start talking about monopoly?" Woolen cloth?"
"As for IOS systems, besides Apple, how many other systems are there?"
"If we are all subject to antitrust investigation, the consortium led by Apple will have no right to avoid antitrust investigation!"
"We will demand the same investigation be launched against them!"
While speaking, Lu Fei showed a contemptuous smile.
"Wow~"
There was a lot of discussion in the conference hall after hearing such words.
It sounds like it was the Apple villains who complained first.
But if Apple sues Logic, will Logic also sue Apple? !
It's more like an act of anger.
However, the media did not consider it too big a deal to see the excitement and continued to stir up trouble:
“Doesn’t the Android Open Alliance welcome everyone except Apple?”
"Apart from……"
Lu Fei was almost taken into a ditch, but he immediately changed his mind, with a righteous look: "Even Apple, Steve Jobs doesn't need to give up the iOS system, as long as he is willing to accept the Android system."
"Jobs just received a liver transplant. As the person he hated the most, do you have anything to say to him?"
The New York Times reporters took advantage of every opportunity.
"I wish him good health."
Lu Fei faced the camera and smiled.
The atmosphere in the conference hall was confused and strange, and everyone present felt that things seemed to be getting more and more interesting.
At the end of the press conference, representatives from Microsoft, Samsung, Motorola and others were interviewed and unanimously supported Lu Fei.
The guns are all aimed at the consortium headed by Apple.
Larry Page even said publicly on his Facebook and Twitter after the interview:
"The acquisition of Nortel Networks' patents will allow more people to enjoy more diverse and more affordable Android phones, and the era of smartphones will arrive faster. Some people just can't stand the good of others."
As soon as the words came out, they were like flames thrown into a barrel of dynamite.
The entire line exploded instantly.
The two sides are siding with each other and exporting each other, which is a source of trouble to the anti-monopoly department. It is difficult to get off the ground, whether it is an investigation or not.
Just when the Attorney General was worried, a phone call from the White House made him rush to the White House.
At this time, the TV in the office played Lu Fei's interview with China International Channel——
"If Nortel Networks' acquisition is successful, these patents will not only inhibit other companies from suing Android-related manufacturers, but also help our partners and open source communities continue to innovate, allowing them to be closely involved in projects such as Android and LMS..."
"What are they doing Steve! What tricks are they doing!"
Lucian clapped his hands on the table, "Why do we have to choose this time? Why don't we wait until our visit to China is over!"
Hillary said: "By the time the visit to China is over, Nortel Networks' patent process has been completed, and they may not be able to wait that long."
"That will have to wait!"
Lucian frowned and said: "Now is not the time to deal with it. We still need to rely on them to survive the subprime mortgage crisis. We still need to rely on their market to digest our products. We also need to rely on them to buy U.S. bonds. We just bought one now." It’s only 20 billion U.S. dollars, and there are still 200 to 300 billion U.S. dollars that they need to buy, and I also need the 1 million jobs promised by Huaxia Land! 1 million!”
"So I've invited the attorney general here. I think we can't let the situation escalate any further. It's not good for anyone." Hillary suggested, "We have to think of a countermeasure."
"Do you think we can suspend the Nortel Networks patent? Use this matter as a bargaining chip in negotiations?"
Lucian smiled and said, "What do you think?"
"Ah no no no, absolutely not."
Hillary showed a bright smile, "If it only involves Logic and Huawei, it is completely feasible, but it also involves Google, Microsoft, Blackstone and Motorola. This matter will put us under pressure from many parties. It is not worth it. It is really not worth it. I think We might as well give the green light to this acquisition, which only involves more than 6,000 patents anyway.”
"Then we can only mediate, but I can't step in. We need a middleman."
Lucian pondered for a moment and gave up the idea of using Luo as a blackmail condition.
"Of course not the Minister of Justice. It would be better to have an authoritative person recognized by both parties."
"who?"
"What do you think of Bill Gates and Bai Tengqiao?"
Hilary narrowed her eyes into a thin line, Lu, take care of yourself.
