Google acquires 50+ patents from Magnolia Broadband
According to a press release from New Jersey-based Magnolia Broadband (via TNW), Google acquired the company’s more than 50 patents related to its “Mobile Transmit Diversity beam forming technology.” The cost of the IP acquisition was not disclosed, but Magnolia noted it has invested more than $60 million in patenting and developing the technology. The acquisition was rumored earlier this month but just confirmed by Magnolia today.
As for what Google will get, the press release said the patent portfolio consists of over 10 years of R&D, testing, and development of “methods for increasing spectrum utilization (network capacity), expanding coverage, improving uplink transmission speeds at the cell edge, and improving device battery life.” Google will have access to the technology through the deal, but Magnolia will own the patents and continue to license them to other companies.