Verizon: Google's Motorola purchase could bring stability to patent wars

Verizon Communications’ senior vice president and deputy general counsel John Thorne discussed Verizon’s opinion on Google’s planned acquisition of Motorola Mobility with The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. “We will be looking with interest as further details of the proposed transaction become clear,” Throne said. “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.” On Monday, Google CEO Larry Page said the purchase will bolster Google’s patent portfolio and will allow the company to better “protect Android from anti-competitive threats from Microsoft, Apple and other companies.” Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon and Vodafone, kicked off its Android offering when it announced the first Motorola DROID in October, 2009. T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T have yet to voice opinions on the planned purchase, but execs from HTC, Samsung LG and Sony Ericsson all offered statements in support of the deal on Monday.