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Patents

Google Bolsters Patent Portfolio with IBM Acquisition

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Google has bolstered its patent portfolio with the acquisition of more than 200 patents from IBM, aiming to strengthen its position in the face of increased intellectual property litigation, particularly in the mobile space. The deal is the latest in a series of strategic patent purchases by Google, which has historically held a slimmer patent portfolio than its competitors. The acquired patents, covering web applications, data intellectual property, and social networking, could give Google a valuable edge in its competition with Facebook and other social media giants.

Key Takeaways:

  • Google has acquired over 200 patents from IBM, expanding its patent portfolio in the wake of increased intellectual property litigation.
  • The acquired patents are focused on web applications, data intellectual property, and social networking, which could help Google strengthen its Google Plus social network.
  • Google has a history of acquiring patents to bolster its portfolio, including purchasing over 2,000 patents from IBM last summer and acquiring 7,000 patents through its purchase of Motorola Mobility Holdings.
  • Patent analysts believe that the acquired patents could give Google leverage against Facebook, as competition heats up in the social media space.
  • Google Plus has surpassed 62 million users, with the network expected to reach 400 million members by the end of 2012.

Statistics:

  • Google has acquired over 2,000 patents from IBM since last summer.
  • The company has also acquired 7,000 patents through its purchase of Motorola Mobility Holdings.
  • Google Plus has 62 million users, with the network expected to reach 400 million members by the end of 2012.
  • Facebook has over 800 million users.
  • The acquired patents cover various areas, including web applications, data intellectual property, and social networking.

Sources:

  • TheStreet.com
  • IBM (http://www.ibm.com)
  • Google (http://www.google.com)
  • Motorola Mobility Holdings (http://www.motorola.com)
  • Shulman Rogers (http://www.shulmanrogers.com)
  • Florian Mueller (patent blogger)
  • IDC (http://www.idc.com)
  • Paul Allen (analyst)
  • Will Stofega (IDC analyst)
  • SEO by the Sea (http://www.seobythesea.com)

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