Google vs Bottin : Who will ultimately win?
We all know who or what Google is. Millions of us use Google’s products everyday and we can’t image life without it now. So all of a sudden what triggered the fight between Google and Bottin? Who or what is Bottin? What happened so far and what is going to happen now?
I absolutely love using Google’s products. Apart from most of the services being free, Google’s wide range of services are really fast, easy and simple to use. One among these products is Google Maps. When the directions and mapping system started early, I used to use Mapquest. But when Google Maps was born, I could not resist trying it out. Now I am so addicted to using it, I use Google Maps every time I am going out on adventure or when I do not know how to approach my destination. The features offered in Google Maps, it’s interface & everything of it, I absolutely love. I am pretty sure there must be millions of others out there who would agree with me on this. Now amidst of all this, an entity rises and opposes! If one zooms in on this entity and look closely, one would say: “Hey look, it’s Bottin“!
Who is Bottin? Why is he opposing me? Well, in fact, Bottin stands for Bottin Cartographes (a fellow human). And he’s not opposing me. He is opposing Google and in specific, Google Maps! Yes, the service that we all millions of fans, absolutely love! Don’t mistake Bottin to be just another opposer against Google’s products and don’t even think for a split second that he can’t do anything about not liking Google Maps. If you have thought so, sorry my friend, you are completely wrong! Bottin has already done something. He has filed a case in French commercial court against Google!
Now, now, what do we have here? We have Google (Maps), Bottin and the French Court. But why did Bottin go against Google and in specific, Google Maps? Why did he not choose any other service? Well the reason behind filing the case against Google, is that Google is providing the Google Maps service for free! Yes, can you believe it? Bottin is against Google and has filed a case because Google Maps is free to use! Still doesn’t make sense why he would file a case? Read on to find out.
The reason why Bottin has filed the case is simple. Bottin actually runs web mapping services, called Bottin Carto: Tailored mapping solutions, for a cost and hence makes money in the process. Because Google Maps is free, he feels that Google is hurting his business and causing financial loss.
Bottin’s company claims:
“Google strategy was aimed at undercutting competitors by temporarily swallowing the full cost until it gains control of the market.”
In response to this case, the French court has already passed it’s judgement. The court ordered Google to pay 500,000 euros ($660,000) in damages and interest to the Bottin and a 15,000 euro fine!
Opposing Bottin’s claim, Google’s spokesman replies:
“We remain convinced that a free high-quality mapping tool is beneficial for both Internet users and websites. There remains competition in this sector for us, both in France and internationally.”
Additionally, a Google France spokesman said the company was studying the ruling and considering its options.
Now that you know who Bottin is and what has happened so far, do you think Google stands any chance now against Bottin and can really do something now that can actually cause the verdict to be reversed or changed? Do you think reviewing its option will really save Google from paying the huge fine? Who do you think will ultimately win? Cast your vote and speak your opinion and make it count! We can’t wait to hear your views.
References: The Economic Times