Google acquires Motorola Mobility; over 17,000 patents come under its kitty

The Android operating system is the most used smartphone operating system in the world. And with a tag like that, it is evident that some legal issues will have to be dealt with. And as we all know by now, lawsuits were thrashed on Google by Apple and Microsoft. Apple hasn’t had a good time with most major companies.

Major brands like Samsung and Amazon are fighting the legal battle against Apple. Microsoft on the other hand has benefited financially because of the Android operating system. How, you may ask. Well, the Android operating system makes use of certain IP (internet protocol) rights which are owned by Microsoft. Hence manufacturers have to pay a certain amount for each Android handset sold.

And now in a move which could considerably decrease the damage for the Mountain View based company, Google has announced the acquisition of Motorola Mobility. This news came in early Monday, and has been the topic of the day. This means that Google now owns a mobile manufacturing unit along with its stocks and patents. Motorola has been in the mobile business ever since we could remember, and it seems like Google could make good use of it. While patent acquisition is a major part of the deal, Google wouldn’t mind the mobile division coming under its belt.

Motorola Mobility owns about 17,000 patents which will now be owned by Google. The CEO of Google, Larry Page said in the company’s blog – “Motorola’s total commitment to Android in mobile devices is one of many reasons that there is a natural fit between our two companies.” He further added – “This acquisition will not change our commitment to run Android as an open platform. Motorola will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open.”

The whole acquisition will give the legal advisors at Apple and Microsoft something to think about. Even though Google will gain advantage with Motorola’s patents, there’s still a long way to go till the matter is closed. Either way, Motorola could greatly benefit by working in close quarters with Google.