(Image Source: 9to5Mac)

BY DANNY MATTESON

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

You're watching multisource tech news analysis from Newsy.

Trench warfare continues between HTC and Apple on the patent front, but this time, it seems one side has a new ally. Digital Trends explains.

“Today’s news comes courtesy of HTC who has filed yet another lawsuit against Apple. What makes this news even more juicy is the fact that HTC obtained the patents that it is basing its case on from Google.”

And some say supplying the patents, acquired from Motorola, Palm and Openwave in the last year, to their comrades represents a change -- in Google’s battle plan. According to GigaOm...

“...it marks a more aggressive stance by Google, which is applying its growing patent strength in an effort to shore up the larger Android ecosystem.”

So is Google preparing for all out war? Sources at CNET say yes, noting that a bitter tech battle may be looming.   

“Google's willingness to supply HTC with patents for protection could hint that it may eventually take its own direct action against Apple. So far, the two companies have been fighting through proxies and partners.”

And Google isn’t exactly bringing a knife to a gun fight. ZDNet notes recent acquisitions will transform the company into a virtual patent arms dealer.

“When Google closes the Motorola Mobility deal it will get 17,000 patents. That arsenal is likely to be enough for Google to open a patent candy store. It will be handing out patents like Gummy Bears.”

Finally, depending on the outcome of this particular skirmish, some believe Google and HTC’s axis of electronics may soon have a new member. According to The Inquirer…

“If Google's patents have merit then it is likely that Samsung won't wait too long before requesting access to them in order to stop Apple from obtaining import bans on its Galaxy tablets and smartphones all over the world.”

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