Apple, Google, Microsoft to Buy Kodak Patents

What’s in it for the tech giants?

According to the company’s statement, “The transaction also includes an agreement to settle current patent-related litigation between the participants and Kodak, which avoids additional litigation costs.” It’s unclear who was “winning” in these legal jousts, but settling the whole spat removes a thorn from the collective side of the tech industry. Presumably, the arrangement will streamline Apple’s, Google’s, and Microsoft’s ability to integrate Kodak’s digital imaging technology.

But it’s unclear if there is more value in these companies applying the technology to their products, or in protecting themselves from future litigation. Patent warfare has become a sign of the times, and these tech giants could simply be looking to shore up their defenses. In the grand scheme of things, they have bigger fish to fry.

The deal is still subject to bankruptcy court approval.

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