In what might be considerd to be a major setback for Google, an appeals court has pronounced on Tuesday that the company had violated copyright laws by using Oracle’s software to develop its Android platform.

The judges also stated that there was nothing fair about taking a copyright work verbatim and using it for the same function and purpose  as the original in a competing platform.  Google stated that its use of the Oracle’s software comes under fair use as it did not charge clients directly for it. However, Oracle claimed that Google’s action was ‘devastating’ to its licensing startegy as many customers turn towards Android.

Oracle had earlier sought $8.8 Billion in damages.  While Google did not let out statements as to opposing the ruling, representatives confirm that the company is considering their options. It may be said that the verdict in the eight year battle between Google and Oracle may shift how copyright laws are viewed in the future.

Watch this space for more updates!