Apple considered buying BlackBerry's IP and patents
Apple has expressed interest in buying a selection of BlackBerry's intellectual property (IP) and other patents, reports Reuters. While Apple wasn't the only entity to express interest in BlackBerry's assets (Microsoft and other tech giants reportedly were also interested), it certainly would be the company with the most cash on hand to make BlackBerry a compelling offer. However, it now appears that BlackBerry isn't considering any IP purchase overtures from anyone. Reuters reports:
"BlackBerry Ltd's board does not believe a break-up of the Canadian smartphone maker is currently in its best interests, even though Microsoft Corp, Apple Inc and Lenovo Group Ltd, among others, have expressed interest in acquiring parts of the company, according to people familiar with the discussions.
"The board rejected proposals from several technology companies for various BlackBerry assets on grounds that a break-up did not serve the interest of all stakeholders, which include employees, customers and suppliers in addition to shareholders, said the sources, who did not want to be identified as the discussions were confidential.
"Microsoft and Apple had both expressed interest in BlackBerry's intellectual property and patents, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters."
There are no reports in what specific IP Apple was interested in, but any acquisitions would no doubt strengthen Apple's stance in several patent-laden legal battles going on with various smartphone competitors around the globe. BlackBerry also has a number of valuable smartphone enterprise patents Apple could no doubt use to increase its iOS enterprise offerings.
