InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[drbuilder]

I'm honestly not sure about Apple's license and whether or not it covers 4G/LTE, but if I had to guess, I would say it does. I don't think Apple would be foolish enough to go all the way to 2014 without it. Regardless, now that Apple has the Nortel patents, they have leverage to cross license against whoever might buy IDCC, unless it's not a manufacturer. RIM, Samsung or LG would all benefit in that they could use IDCC's portfolio as leverage against Apple's Nortel patents and cross license. Otherwise, they could be paying Apple and IDCC. I think the strongest motivation for someone to buy IDCC is coming from the pressure on Google. If Apple buys IDCC, then where does Google go to provide ammunition to cross license? Buy Motorola? That sounds good, but it will be much more expensive and complicated. No one else really has the strength in their portfolio that can be bought. There may be strategic alliances that I'm not thinking of, but most of the companies better situation with patents/IP are aligned. Nokia with Microsoft. RIM is alone and couldn't reasonably join forces with Google. IDCC is Google's cheapest and easiest way to pick up leverage in the fight. As I said, Apple already has leverage with the Nortel patents. Apple's reason for being in the fight is to take away the easy opportunity for Google. If Apple buys IDCC, then Google is in a really tough spot. I think Apple would have the deal done by now if there wasn't some concern about whether or not the Feds would allow it. Behind all of this, I think this is why Google is doing the complaining right now. If they get the Feds to question the Nortel purchase, then Apple trying to buy IDCC only makes the situation worse. I don't think the Feds would stop either purchase by Apple. They would still not own enough IP to control the market, and Android is the market leader. Either way, should be fun to watch.