Google has gobbled Nortel's patent portfolio, ostensibly to protect itself from patent lawsuits "that stifle innovation."
Kent Walker, Google's general counsel and senior v.p., blogged this morning about Google's long-standing efforts at real patent reform -- reform that would enhance creativity and competition, while stifling predatory lawsuits.
So they bought Nortel's wired, wireless and digital portfolio, according to ZDNet.com's Larry Dignan. In more detail, the technologies are in wireless, 4G, data networking, optical, voice, semiconductors and other telecoms.
Nortel's statement includes, "The extensive patent portfolio touches nearly every aspect of telecommunications and additional markets as well, including Internet search and social networking."
Google is the "stalking-horse bid" in the bankruptcy auction for Nortel, so all other bids are compared to the $900 million figure.
Walker also points out that a purchase like this helps Google, its partners and "the open source community -- which is integrally involved in projects like Android and Chrome."
