( CNN ) -- Apple sue us next ? Not a chance . That 's the gist of Google 's message following Apple 's $ 1 billion victory over Samsung in a California patent suit . The search giant is doing its best to quell fears that its Android operating system could be the next target for Apple 's lawyers . And you ca n't blame them . Google has to do something to keep its partners in the smartphone and tablet world from panicking , to say nothing of investors . But experts say that while the Apple v. Samsung suit did n't describe a legal route that leads directly to Mountain View , Google had better watch its back . Apple v. Samsung ripped apart both the hardware and software used in Samsung 's very popular smartphones and tablets . Arguments hinged on whether certain hardware features -- like a bezeled display and a lozenge-shaped earpiece -- had been ripped off from Apple by Samsung 's designers . A jury decided that in multiple instances they had . Apple also filed claims that Samsung developed operating system features that violated Apple patents . Samsung licenses Google 's Android operating system for its tablets and phones , and makes changes to personalize the user experience . Those small changes include pinch-to-zoom , tap-to-zoom , and bounce-back features , which fall under Apple-owned utility patents . Google , which has stayed silent about the case until now , said Monday that these utility patent features are n't part of the core Android operating system , which runs underneath Samsung 's and other device manufacturer 's modifications . Google gives its licensees a plain , stock version of the Android operating system , which by itself does not violate Apple 's patents . However , licensees can modify the Android system and build any feature they like , and those features could violate other patented technologies . Here 's Google 's full statement in reaction to the verdict : . `` The court of appeals will review both infringement and the validity of the patent claims . Most of these do n't relate to the core Android operating system , and several are being re-examined by the US Patent Office . The mobile industry is moving fast and all players -- including newcomers -- are building upon ideas that have been around for decades . We work with our partners to give consumers innovative and affordable products , and we do n't want anything to limit that . '' Phillip Philbin , an intellectual property attorney with national law firm Haynes and Boone , says Google 's statement is a message to its partners that the verdict only applies to Samsung 's products , and not the entire Android ecosystem . `` It 's essentially Google saying that the patent issues apply to Samsung 's software changes and Samsung 's hardware , but not to 'core ' Android or other Android products , '' says Philbin . Looking at the case , Purdue law professor Mark McKenna says Google is focusing on distancing itself from the pinch-to-zoom , the tap-to-zoom , and the bounce-back features that Samsung created , saying they are n't included in its base Android code . `` Google 's claim is that those features are part of the modified experience from other companies that license the Android operating system , '' says McKenna . Analysts agree with Google 's stance , saying there is no evidence out there that the core Android operating system has infringed on Apple or any other company 's patents . But Google has yet to endure the scrutiny of a full-blown patent suit . The California jury was looking at what Samsung did or did n't do , not what Google did or did n't do . That 's a key distinction . But if Google has its way , no jury will ever test its claims . Google has gone to great lengths to keep its operating system distinct from iOS with widgets , rotary and pull-tab lock screens , and an applications menu separate from the home screen . All very un-Apple-like design flourishes . Even Google 's Nexus hardware line , made with Samsung , HTC , and Asus , includes designs with rounded corners , curved screens , and textured battery covers that could never be mistaken for an Apple device . Still Google is not immune to a patent lawsuit , even though it would n't be easy for Apple -- or anyone else -- to bring a case . One of the chief reasons Apple has n't yet gone after Google , McKenna says , is because Google does n't make any money from selling the Android operating system ( it makes money from mobile ads ) . Since Google is giving away Android , it makes it hard for Apple to prove that the operating system harms its market share . `` That does n't mean Apple could n't sue Google , it just makes it more challenging to prove the direct impact , '' says McKenna . `` That 's why Apple 's gone the indirect route , by suing device manufacturers that can modify Android . '' And it 's not inconceivable that Apple eventually decides to go directly after Google , McKenna says . If it gets on a winning streak in U.S. courts against the rest of the handset makers , it might take a shot . `` This is Act 1 in a multi-act play , '' says McKenna . `` Apple is on the record saying they want to destroy the Android ecosystem , and to do that it 's either going have to go after the all the software makers , or every single hardware manufacturer that sells these things . '' Whether its Apple going after its next victim , or the Samsung case going to appeal , Philbin agrees there is a long way to go . `` Patent litigation takes place on at least three fronts â€ ” the district court , the patent office and the federal circuit , '' he says . `` What we 've had so far is just the district court 's ruling and we have n't even heard from the District Judge on this yet . So this process is far from over . '' The legal process perhaps , but as is the case in the fast-moving tech world , the design process has already moved on . Pick up the latest Samsung smartphone and you wo n't see the hardware or software features that the jury found violated Apple 's patents . Samsung has learned its lesson , albeit in a very expensive way . Google already has a tight grip on Android , and you 're likely to see that grip tighten as it looks to avoid any of its own patent litigation woes . The good news for consumers is that rather than waiting for jury verdicts in the future , there 's a good chance we 'll be waiting for the next crop of smartphones and tablets with forms and features that are distinct -- not just a bunch of Apple copycats . With additional reporting by Nathan Olivarez-Giles . Subscribe to WIRED magazine for less than $ 1 an issue and get a FREE GIFT ! Click here ! Copyright 2011 Wired.com .
Google is trying to address fears that its Android system could be the next target for Apple . Experts say Google had better watch its mouth over possible patent litigation . Analysts : there 's no evidence the Google Android system has infringed on Apple 's patents .