Google, Oracle Deny Direct Payments To Media

itwbennett writes "Earlier this month, the judge in the Oracle v. Google trial ordered the companies to disclose the names of bloggers and reporters who had taken payments from them. Not surprisingly, both companies have denied making direct payments to writers (with the exception of Florian Mueller of FOSSPatents, whose relationship to Oracle was disclosed in April). But Oracle has tattled on Google regarding some indirect connections. In particular, Oracle called out Ed Black for an article he wrote about the case for Forbes. And Jonathan Band, co-author of the book, 'Interfaces on Trial 2.0,' which Google cited in its April 3, 2012 copyright brief." Groklaw has an in-depth look at the filings. Oracle's fingerpointing is based in part on this BBC article and this piece at The Recorder, both of which they entered into evidence. Google's filing (PDF) affirmed that they have not paid media for articles or done any quid pro quo in exchange for coverage. However, they acknowledged that many people receive money from Google through other means (the company's philanthropy, ad business, etc.), and asked the judge if he wanted further details about those instances.

Re:My recommendation

[ozmanjusri]

Hopefully the pies that hit Oracle's lawyers will have hand grenades in them.

Fire one at the submitter and "editor" of TFA. That's a deceptive headline.

Oracle was forced to acknowledge paying Florian Mueller, and also stated:
 

"Certain Oracle employees may have blogged about issues relating to the case. See, e.g., https://blogs.oracle.com/hinkmond/ [oracle.com] (blogging about Java ME). Oracle did not ask or approve any of its employees to write about the case and does not track employee bloggers."

Note that Oracle's Social Media policy contradicts the statement:
 

Make Sure Your Management Approves

  Please be aware that Oracle may choose to restrict social media activities that relate to your employment or Oracle’s business.

 

Remember that you are not an official spokesperson for Oracle. Make it clear that your opinions are your own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the corporation. See Policy Regarding Communications with Press and Analysts.

For this reason, Oracle employees with personal blogs that discuss Oracle’s business, products, employees, customers, partners, or competitors should include the following disclaimer in a visually prominent place on their blog:

"The views expressed on this [blog; Web site] are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Oracle."

By contrast, this is Google's statement:

“Our reply to the court is clear,” Google said, “no one on our side paid journalists, bloggers, or other commentators to write about this case.”