Samsung eyes InterDigital patent portfolio for mobile technology
Samsung is reportedly interested in acquiring InterDigital Inc.’s patent portfolio, which retains a catalog of patents related to mobile technologies used to transfer information.
However, Samsung isn't the only one interested in making this deal. Both Apple and Google are potential bidders as well.
Lee Seung Woo, a Seoul-based analyst at Shinyoung Securities Co., told Bloombergabout just how serious this acquisition could be.
InterDigital has a lot of key patents. The fight between Apple and Samsung is getting serious, so if the assets go to Apple, it could be pretty risky for Samsung. To hedge the risk, Samsung could go ahead with bidding, although they may have to pay a big premium.
Patents, especially those for mobile technology, have proven to be a major source of wealth and legal disputes this year. Here are just a few examples:
- Oracle and Google are tied up in a battle over patent infringements related to Java on Android -- after Oracle bought Sun in 2010, which owned Java when Android was first released a few years prior. The two will meet at trial on Halloween.
- Apple and HTC are fighting their next round over patent infringements (also related to Android) with a new lawsuit open in the United Kingdom this week. In another twist, HTC snatched up 235 issued patents and patent applications from S3 Graphics for $300 million during the second quarter. S3 recently secured an ITC ruling its favor of its own against Apple over two compression technology patents.
- Apple is also at war with Samsung in several countries (including the U.S., South Korea, Japan and Germany) as Apple accuses Samsung of stealing the design of the iPhone and the iPad for the Galaxy S smartphones and Galaxy Tab. Most recently, Apple succeeded in having the Galaxy Tab 10.1 blocked for sale in Australia. Samsung's local division released a statement on Tuesday noting that the block is only temporary.
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