Google on Motorola (source: IEEE Spectrum)

“How many patents does it take to stay afloat in the smartphone world? It seems Google has pegged it at around 20 000. Its proposed acquisition of Motorola Mobility for US $12.5 billion, announced on August 15, would add 17 000 patents to its previously meager stockpile.”

Quote from a recent article in IEEE‘s Spectrum. Read more: Google’s New Patent Armor – IEEE Spectrum.

I am not sure that this is a healthy development in the industry; especially since many of the older patents are extremely broad and cover almost anything (example: a hand-held device powered by a microprocessor that can display data).

Are we going to let patents stifle innovation? Will young innovators still have the guts to create something new without having to hire patent lawyers? Or will the fear of possible legal costs and consequences when accidentally stepping on someones patent keep inventors from inventing?

What is your take on this?