Philip K. Dick Estate Sues Google

If you thought the name of the recently introduced Google mobile phone, the Nexus One sounded familiar, you’re not alone. The estate of the late sci-fi author Philip K. Dick says that the Internet giant lifted the name from the author’s classic novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” (better known as the movie “Blade Runner.”)

In the novel, the Nexus One refers to the model of a rogue android.

The estate of the late author has sued Google, claiming infringement.

“Google takes first and then deals with the fallout later,” Isa Dick Hackett, Dick’s daughter, told Wired.com.

The family sent a letter to Google earlier this week, demanding the company cease using the Nexus name and requesting the company turn over relevant documents within 10 days.

But when the device was introduced Tuesday, Google explained the name had nothing to do with Dick’s work, and was simply using the word in its original sense — as a place where things converge. Additionally, the Nexus One character isn’t trademarked by the family like Lucas did with Droid, nor are any robots or replicants used in its branding.

This is not the first time the Dick estate has complained that Google takes without asking.

The estate, joined by the Steinbeck family and musician Arlo Guthrie, came out early and vocally against the Google Book Search deal last spring, arguing that it was overly complicated and that copyright holders were being asked to make binding decisions. That motion won a four-month stay from the federal judge overseeing the case.

Google has not yet responded to the letter.

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Comments

Dan Woods says
January 8, 2010 at 3:30 am

The side plot of DADoES/Bladerunner revolved around the fact that the Nexus-6 couldn’t be upgraded after it reached the end of it’s Warranty Period.

No Google Android device to date has been able to handle software upgrades; you can’t upgrade an Android OS 1.5 device to use Android 2.0.

Maybe Google are telling us that the Nexus One will only last the length of the Warranty Period, and then stop working.

Wanderley says
January 8, 2010 at 7:40 am

Title is wrong and is misleading. Please correct it to something like “Philip K. Dick estate threatens to sue Google”.

A threatening letter (even if sent by lawyers) demanding anything is not the same as a lawsuit.

This dog is barking, not biting (yet at least).

Ringsting of Fire says
January 10, 2010 at 1:20 pm

When I heard the name of the phone something was whirring in my head…now I know why.

brando on “The Fast and The Furious” became Earth-based space opera, and I’m here for it: “damn this is one of the best takes of this franchise i've seen in a while, i love it!”
Toad on Aquaman vs Namor: “I feel like the Mamoa rendition of aquaman doesn’t possess the imagination or biological knowledge to accomplish dissolving a human…”
Casey Miller on Contest: Win a Copy of “Snack Hacks”: “Gaming is most rewarding to help you get motivated to complete something’s off your To Do list”
Jazz on Contest: Win a Copy of “Snack Hacks”: “Have good snacks and drinks but keep napkins too to avoid messy fingers on the game controller. Save a new…”
Kirsten Lyon on Contest: Win a Copy of “Snack Hacks”: “Prioritize & manage your time, so you get other stuff done in your life too!”

Philip K. Dick Estate Sues Google

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