Mobile device maker HTC has paid $75 million (£46m) to US-based ADC Telecommunications for a “worldwide patent portfolio of wireless telecommunication technologies”, in a move that underscores the growing importance of intellectual property in the workings of the IT economy.
The move follows Google’s announcement on Monday that it has bid $900m for Nortel’s remaining patent portfolio, a move intended primarily to help Google protect itself from current and future litigation.
HTC said the deal, concluded on Saturday, was aimed at boosting its wireless research and development capabilities.
The technologies included in the deal are expected to help HTC compete in 4G communications technologies, according to a report in the Taipei-based Economic Daily News.
The portfolio includes 82 issued patents and 14 patent applications.
HTC makes Android-based handsets including the Nexus One and the Desire and is planning several tablet devices.
Last year Apple hit HTC with a patent-infringement lawsuit covering patents related to the iPhone’s user interface.
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