Google Gets Umbrella Patent For Cloud Operating Systems

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Google just patented Chrome OS, but the tone of the patent is much more than that. Google may have, in fact, received a patent that covers client cloud operating systems in general.

The patent is entitled "Network based operating system across devices" and was filed in March of 2009, about two months before Chrome OS was officially announced. What makes this patent special is the fact that it covers virtual all aspects of "providing an operating system over a network to a local device" in a manner that would apply to any cloud OS that uses software other than a web browser. And even the web browser, as an entity that is regularly updated and would, conceivably, fill the role as operating system framework, would be touched by this patent.

It is somewhat dazzling how Google could get a patent on such a general approach. However, if Google can claim the rights to it, the question would be how Microsoft can react. Essentially, the cloud OS for client computers is now patented.

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Wolfgang Gruener
Wolfgang Gruener
Contributor

Wolfgang Gruener is an experienced professional in digital strategy and content, specializing in web strategy, content architecture, user experience, and applying AI in content operations within the insurtech industry. His previous roles include Director, Digital Strategy and Content Experience at American Eagle, Managing Editor at TG Daily, and contributing to publications like Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware.

33 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Au_equus
    If apple can patent shapes and hand gestures...
    Reply
  • amk-aka-Phantom
    Oh, so any thin client would fall under the patent? Well, that's BS.
    Reply
  • Au_equus
    IMHO we shouldn't be surprised anymore with any sort of ambiguity associated with the US patent system
    Reply
  • freggo
    US Patent office.
    First they tell us that everything that can be invented has been invented; now they let you patent lint and dust bunnies.

    Maybe they where right after all, everything WORTH patenting has been invented and they just need to come up with reasons to show up for work :-)

    Reply
  • sonofliberty08
    Google might get Tricell patent too
    Reply
  • wiinippongamer
    Never liked google much anyways
    Reply
  • wiinippongamer
    specially after seeing what they turned youtube into.
    Reply
  • tsnor
    Not to worry. EDS patented automated operations in the late 90s. LOL. They never tried to enforce it, would not have held up. Google is too big and has too much to lose to be a patent troll (I hope).
    Reply
  • Boxa786
    omg so apples icloud was not the invention of cloud os and apple don't have this patent already?

    There's goes all of apples attempts to troll any cloud computing companies with patents. Nice one Google
    Reply
  • what happens to virtualized OS now? They would pay google. OMG.
    Reply