UBM TechInsights Comments on Google's Acquisition of Motorola Mobility

OTTAWA, Ontario, Aug. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- UBM TechInsights views Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility for approximately $12.5 billion as an affirmation of their intent to bolster and defend their leadership position in the mobile marketplace.

With the purchase, Google acquires over 17,000 Motorola patents that are still in good standing (with another 7,500 in application). Based on UBM TechInsights patent valuation metrics we feel Google may have spent less per valuable "essential" patent than the consortium that recently out bid them to acquire Nortel's patents just over a week ago. This is potentially a huge 'gotcha' to those companies who'd hope to stymie Google's growing mobile market share.

As the merger and acquisition unfolds, UBM TechInsights' team believes this to be less about Google becoming a major player in the handset space; rather it is about acquiring valuable intellectual property from the wireless communications giant for current and future business growth and stability. This investment can benefit both Google and its partners in the handset and carrier space.

UBM TechInsights Vice-President of Intellectual Property Rights and Professional Services, Mike McLean, views Google's aggressive patent acquisition strategy as Google establishing a strong position for injunctive relief if they do pursue litigation while protecting themselves against alleged patent infringement from their competitors.

"As a relatively young company, Google hasn't had the benefit of time to build out a developed patent portfolio in comparison to its competitors and as such, are open to litigation," says Mr. McLean. "In acquiring Motorola Mobility's patents (and their recent purchase of over 1,000 IBM patents), Google is arming themselves to not only suit their business needs, but while potentially placing them in a position to be on the offensive."  

Mike Mclean is a leading IP strategist who regularly speaks at conferences and contributes to IP publications.

About UBM TechInsights

UBM TechInsights provides professional services and essential intelligence to manage technology and Intellectual Property (IP) portfolios. With over 20 years of experience in technical analysis and IP matters UBM TechInsights provides a comprehensive IP management process that delivers maximum strategic advantage and financial returns for customers around the world. The company provides information and customized services in IP, Technical Intelligence, and Business Intelligence for each stage of the IP lifecycle. Global markets served include Automotive, Clean Technologies, Consumer Electronics, Investment, Legal, Medical Devices, Semiconductors, and Software. For more information, please visit www.ubmtechinsights.com.  

SOURCE UBM TechInsights