Google eyes patents owner InterDigital Inc: report
21 Jul 2011
Google has been holding talks with wireless developer and owner of around 8,800 patents InterDigital Inc, The Wall Street Journal yesterday reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The Internet giant, which has already made 12 acquisitions this year, is trying to acquire InterDigital, after last month having lost out buying Nortel Networks Corp's 6,000 patents to a consortium led by Apple, Microsoft and RIM.
Pennsylvania-based InterDigital has approximately 8,800 US and foreign patents in its portfolio. It also has almost 10,000 patent applications in process around the world.
InterDigital had said this week that it was evaluating strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company or of its patents.
''Over the past year we have seen the value of intellectual property rise substantially as major players in the mobile industry increasingly understand the strategic and economic value of this type of asset. As a result, the board believes it is an appropriate time to explore potential strategic options that may enhance shareholder value," said Terry Clontz, chairman of InterDigital.
The company had retained Evercore Partners and Barclays Capital as its financial advisors to assist with the strategic review.