http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone_patent_wars http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone_patent_wars Basically no one company's hands are clean, whether it

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone_patent_wars http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone_patent_wars Basically no one company's hands are clean, whether it be "defensive" in nature or not, patents are a necessary evil. Some highlights relating to Google which I guess if you were to pick a favorite, Google comes out decently as most of their patent buys were defensive. 2011, Jun 30: A consortium of companies made up of Apple, EMC Corporation, Ericsson, Microsoft, Research In Motion and Sony win against Google[50] in an auction of over 6,000 Nortel mobile-related telecommunications patents for $4.5 billion USD.[51][52] 2011, Jul 11-12: Google acquires 1,029 Patents from IBM for an undisclosed amount.[64][65] 2011, Aug 15: Google announces its intention to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion USD. Eighteen of Motorola's patents could potentially be used for defense or countersuits against Apple and Microsoft, and may influence the smartphone war. These patents may change the balance of power, and force the various players to settle their lawsuits.[71][72] 2011, Aug 17: Google acquires 1,023 more patents from IBM for an undisclosed amount (not revealed until 13 Sep 2011).[75] 2011, Sep 07: HTC countersues Apple using nine patents from Google. The move is seen as a possible first step for Google giving direct support in lawsuits involving manufacturers using Android.[81][82][83][84] 2013, December 23: Google initiates legal action against Rockstar Consortium with a countersuit filed in San Jose, California.[141]