Nokia prepared to sell patents, maybe Apple should buy and save on lawyer fees

As if the news about Nokia could get any worse we now see reports that Nokia is prepared to sell patents if the price is right. It sounds to me like Nokia is moving out and starting to hold an estate sale. Nokia has a patent portfolio of over 30,000 patents and 10,000 patented innovations. Many companies in the mobile space, including Apple, pay Nokia fees and royalties to use Nokia's patented technology and with the incredible amount of cash, along with record success, I wonder if it makes financial sense (could save a lot on lawyer fees alone) for Apple to step in and purchase these patents from Nokia.

In addition to bringing the patents and technology in house to Apple, this strategy may also close the door on others who license the technolgoy from Nokia at this time. If Nokia can stay in business, they might even end up paying the buyer of the patents to use the technology themselves. I am not sure if this willingness to sell off patents is a desparation move or if Nokia is just looking to sell patents that may not have as much value to them. Nokia is looking at ways to stay in business and having a massive patent garage sale may just be one part of that strategy.

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