Why HP can't license webOS - they don't own the Palm Patents

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Paul Ryan, Acacia Research CEO is quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying,
"...we basically control the software, and H-P controls the hardware...."

The Wall Street Journal article continues:

"...Leo Apotheker, H-P's chief executive, during an interview Thursday. "We're looking at alternatives to drive webOS software forward," he added."

"...Mr. Ryan said his company's reading of contracts associated with the original split of PalmSource from Palm would suggest that H-P would need a license from Acacia to pursue those options...."

Last October, Microsoft Licensed Patents Created by Palm from Acacia and followed by RIM, Nokia, Pantech, and Samsung. This week Electronisa reported that Apple, LG, AT&T ask to start settlement in Acacia lawsuit.

If Acacia is right, HP would need a license from Acacia to be able to license webOS.

Palm patented much of the technology that was to become smartphones. In 2003, Palm split into two: PalmSource to develop software and palmOne to sell hardware. PalmSource licensed the Palm OS and patents to a number of companies including IBM, Sony (Clie), Garmin, and Palm.

palmOne changed it's name back to Palm and PalmSource became Access. Access continued to develop PalmOS software which Palm and others licensed. That license allowed Palm to use those patents in webOS. Acacia Research, a patent holding company, has joined with Access in the Palm patents.

See
? WSJ Cellphone Patent Disputes Piling Up
? Microsoft Licenses Patents Created by Palm
? Access And Acacia Affiliate License Smartphone Technology To Nokia
? Access And Acacia Affiliate License Smartphone Technology To Pantech
? Access Co. And Acacia Subsidiary License Smartphone Technology To Samsung
? ACCESS and Acacia Subsidiary License Smartphone Technology To Microsoft
? more