Lenovo buys mobile, 3G, LTE technology patent portfolio

Lenovo has purchased a mobile technology patent portfolio as the firm looks to carve out a place in the competitive mobility space.

The PC maker announced the purchase last week. The portfolio belonged to NEC Corporation, an IT services provider based in Tokyo, Japan. Lenovo's new portfolio includes over 3,800 patent families filed in numerous countries around the world, and includes standard essential patents for 3G and LTE mobile technologies as well as patents covering services and features used in today's smartphones and tablets.

No financial details concerning the deal were disclosed.

Ira Blumberg, vice president of Intellectual Property at Lenovo said:

"A strong patent portfolio is a key element for success in the smartphone business. This investment strengthens Lenovo’s existing intellectual property portfolio. As Lenovo expands its mobile PC Plus business into new markets, this investment shows it is committed to having the IP we need for global success."

This is not the only recent patent portfolio acquisition Lenovo has made. Ahead of securing Google's Motorola Mobility handset business for $2.91 billion at the end of January, the PC maker also acquired 21 patent families owned by Unwired Planet which cover 4G and LTE technologies for $100 million.

Lenovo was a little late joining the mobile game, but the purchase of the handset business and patents surrounding the competitive industry will help bolster the firm's position as PC sales continue to dwindle.