Intel Pulls Wireless Patents Off Market, Enters Into Exclusive Talks With One Party

Intel has reportedly pulled its portfolio of 8,500 wireless patents off the market, entering into a period of exclusivity with an unnamed buyer, reports iam.

James Kovacs, the director of Intel's licensing trademarks and standards group, notified interested parties about the development yesterday.

According to that note, the stockpile of assets received what is described as “very strong market interest”, but the exclusivity that the company had entered into with one party “precludes further engagement with other bidders at this time”. The email holds out the prospect that the auction process could be re-opened - presumably if the company fails to finalise a deal - but at this point it would be a surprise if the bidder were to walk away.


Intel did not reveal who the potential buyer was; however, given Apple's interest in developing its own 5G modem, it is seen as one of the most likely bidders.

Apple has already been in talks with Intel about acquiring its smartphone modem chip business. The two companies reportedly began discussing an acquisition last summer. Those talks continued for months before halting around the time Apple reached a deal with rival Qualcomm.

Read More [via MacRumors]