Verizon Says Google Deal May Stabilize Patent Fights
Verizon Communications Inc. said Google Inc.’s $12.5 billion bid for Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. was a welcome development because it may bring “stability” to a recent slate of smartphone patent disputes, though it stopped short of totally endorsing the proposed acquisition. It was the first time a U.S. phone company publicly commented on the blockbuster deal.
“We will be looking with interest as further details of the proposed transaction become clear,” said John Thorne, Verizon’s senior vice president and deputy general counsel. “But, at first glance, to the extent that this deal might bring some stability to the ongoing smartphone patent disputes, that would be a welcome development.”
