Google is ramping up its efforts to bolster its patent position, as it acquires 217 patents from technology giant IBM.
The patents range from server infrastructure technologies to mobile phones, databases and even self-driving cars; something the search giant has been venturing into in recent months.
Google acquired 187 patents and 36 patent-pending applications, adding to the 1,000 it bought off IBM in the summer. From the $12.5 billion Motorola Mobility purchase, the search giant will take 17,000 patents and over 7,000 patents-pending.
But it failed in its bid to acquire a crucial platter of 6,000 patents from bankrupt telecoms giant Nortel.
According to sister site ZDNet UK, the new IBM patents cover areas “pertinent to Android”, such as NFC-enabling technologies and availability policies on virtual machines.
The company continues to spend billions on its technology portfolio in efforts to fight off competitive action from its rivals.
In August, Google accused Apple and Microsoft amongst others of conspiring to attack its Android mobile operating system, saying they were waging a “hostile, organised campaign” of “bogus” patents to make Android more expensive.
Google’s acquisition plans of Motorola Mobility hit a roadblock late last year as European regulators suspended the review. While Google is “confident” that the proposed merger is good for competition, the European antitrust authority seeks the access of further documentation.
The patents alone are worth a goldmine to Google, rather than ‘what’ it can do with the smartphone maker.
Google is also embroiled in a legal spat with Oracle that is expected to go to trial later this year. It is alleged that Android technologies relating to Java infringe Oracle’s patents.
As Android remains in the limelight of global patent turf wars, Google continues the battle with its rivals and competitors in court.
It’s wake-up time for Google, as the company realises that it is late to the game. By bolstering its patent portfolio, it can not only have itself a nest egg for licenses but an additional layer of protection for its valuable mobile operating system from future attacks.
Related:
- IBM sells Google 1,023 patents for Android legal defense
- Between the Lines: IBM: Google’s best patent pal?
- Google, Motorola merger review suspended by European regulators
- Google seeks European clearance for Motorola Mobility acquisition
- Google-Motorola deal moves forward, Justice Dept. could still block merger
