Last month, it was reported that Apple and Google were considering bidding to acquire mobile technology firm InterDigital, primarily for the firm's portfolio of over 8,800 patents and 9,700 pending patent applications. InterDigital had decided to explore potential strategic moves for itself, including potential sale of the company, and the company had drawn significant interest due to the current landscape of patent disputes in the mobile industry.
With Google on Monday announcing its intent to acquire Motorola Mobility, a move which will add 17,000 patents and another 7,500 pending patent applications to Google's portfolio, InterDigital's stock dropped 20% due to Google presumably dropping out of the bidding and general fears that the patent arms race might subside as the major players fill out their portfolios to keep each other at bay.
But Reuters reports that Apple is indeed still interested in InterDigital, and is considering making a bid to acquire the company. Other firms said to be interested in InterDigital include Nokia and Qualcomm.
The report notes that Google has not formally withdrawn from the InterDigital auction, although it is unclear whether it will participate in the bidding after committing $12.5 billion to the Motorola Mobility purchase.
Article Link: Apple Still Interested in InterDigital's Patent Portfolio
