Apple to pay maximum of $1 per iPhone for Motorola Mobility’s wireless patents

I find it rather interesting that we have heard anecdotes of the late Steve Jobs doing his utmost best to squeeze every single penny possible from Apple’s suppliers while doing business, and it is perhaps this kind of mindset that had led Cupertino to inform a Wisconsin court that they will not pay a penny more than $1 to Google-owned Motorola Mobility when it comes to licensing their standard-essential wireless patents.

This stark admission by Apple would be the first time Cupertino revealed that they are willing to license standard-essential patents from Motorola. Apple would pay Motorola immediately should the court set a FRAND rate at or below $1. Should the court set a royalty rate that is higher than the $1 they envision, then Apple indicated that they will certainly file an appeal, making life more difficult for Motorola and Google to collect that money. What do you think of such wheelings and dealings in the courtroom, and it does seem difficult for Google to recoup their $12 billion plus they paid for Motorola Mobility.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Apple
Tags: Apple Inc, Motorola