"Google says we bought Novell patents to keep them from Google. Really? We asked them to bid jointly with us. They said no," Brad Smith, Microsoft General Counsel tweeted out in response.

Oh, and hey! Microsoft's Frank Shaw was kind enough to provide in which Google says "no thanks" to a delicious patent sundae. That's so nice of him. He didn't have to go to all that trouble. Although, the Macalope is sure he enjoyed every second of it.

Isn't it beautiful when, after so many years of animosity, Apple fans can heartily applaud Microsoft as it makes an ass out of Google? Brings a tear to the Macalope's screen.

After losing his , Drummond fired back... wide.

If you think about it, it's obvious why we turned down Microsoft's offer. Microsoft's objective has been to keep from Google and Android device-makers any patents that might be used to defend against their attacks. A joint acquisition of the Novell patents that gave all parties a license would have eliminated any protection these patents could offer to Android against attacks from Microsoft and its bidding partners.