Google recently lost out to a consortium of companies, which included Apple, in the recent sale of various Nortel Patents. Google originally offered around $900 million for the Nortel patents, which eventually sold for $4.5 billion. This consortium also included other tech giants like Microsoft, RIM, Ericsson, and Sony, making the competition for these patents extremely fierce. The Nortel patents were highly sought after because they covered a wide range of technologies, including wireless, 4G, data networking, optical, voice, internet, and semiconductor technologies.
Google’s Strategic Move
Now it would seem that Google has found some patents to add to their arsenal, and have recently purchased over 1,030 patents from IBM. These patents cover a wide range of things including the fabrication and architecture of memory and microprocessing chips, and much more. The purchase was originally uncovered by a blog post that detailed the transaction. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move by Google to bolster its intellectual property portfolio, especially in the wake of losing out on the Nortel patents.
The patents acquired from IBM are not just limited to memory and microprocessing chips. They also include technologies related to search algorithms, data management, and server architecture. This broad range of patents will help Google in various aspects of its business, from improving its search engine to enhancing its cloud computing services.
The Importance of Patents in the Tech Industry
Patents play a crucial role in the tech industry. They provide companies with the legal protection they need to innovate without the fear of their ideas being copied. For a company like Google, which is constantly pushing the boundaries of technology, having a robust patent portfolio is essential. It not only protects their innovations but also gives them leverage in negotiations and potential litigations.
Google purchased the 1,030 patents in early July. There are no details as yet on how much the company paid for them, but they did release the following statement:
“Like many tech companies, at times we’ll acquire patents that are relevant to our business,”
This statement underscores the importance of patents in Google’s overall business strategy. By acquiring these patents, Google is not just protecting its current technologies but also paving the way for future innovations.
In addition to the IBM patents, Google has been actively seeking other patent acquisitions. They have been involved in several high-profile patent purchases and have also been filing numerous patents of their own. This aggressive approach to building a strong patent portfolio is indicative of the competitive nature of the tech industry, where having a strong intellectual property position can make a significant difference.
Source
Image Credit: Håkan Dahlström / Flickr
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.