How significant is the Android mobile OS for Google? Android is surely one of the most highlighted products of the Mountain View firm, but Google’s CEO Larry Page says that Android is not a critical asset for the company; however, it is a very important one. Larry Page has made this notable statement in a courtroom testimony in response to Oracle’s copyright infringement suit.

Responding to a question from Oracle’s attorney, Page said that Android would be very important for his firm, but he turned down the notion that it was a critical one. Oracle has been legally fighting Google accusing that its Android infringed on its intellectual property rights to Java. Larry Page strongly refuted the claim from Oracle and added that Google did nothing wrong.

Page further stated that Oracle couldn’t claim copyright for certain parts of Java, which are available open source. The Google CEO also said that he was not fully aware of his company’s policy on copying the intellectual property of others. Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle, which filed the suit against Google in August 2010, was also testified.

Android is Google’s operating system for mobile devices like smartphones, tablets and music players. It is now the world’s best mobile OS in number of devices. Google makes profits from the freely distributed Android through its ad-supported programs like web search, Gmail, YouTube and others. Google also makes profits from these services on desktops as well. But extensive spread of mobile devices to more customers will bring more money for the company.

Via: Reuters