Judge says Apple request for Google, Motorola documents too 'vague'

Apple has lost its battle to force Motorola to turn over data about Google's development of its Android mobile-phone operating system and planned acquisition of the mobile-phone manufacturer.

U.S. Circuit Judge Richard A. Posner, who in June will preside over back-to-back patent trials pitting Apple against Motorola, denied the production request in a single-paragraph order:  “The motion is vague and overbroad and Motorola’s objections are persuasive,” Posner wrote. The mobile-phone maker’s opposition to Apple’s March 16 demand was filed under seal.

Kristin Huguet, a spokeswoman for Apple, declined to comment on Posner’s decision while Jennifer Erickson, a Motorola Mobility spokeswoman, didn’t reply to messages seeking comment.