Google’s Strategic Move: Capping Arris’ Liability in TiVo Patent Dispute
During the analyst call discussing Arris’ landmark $2.35 billion acquisition of Motorola Home, CEO Bob Stanzione addressed growing concerns about TiVo’s billion-dollar patent infringement claims against Motorola Mobility and its parent company Google.
The Billion-Dollar Patent Cloud
According to an October 2012 court filing, TiVo alleges:
- Motorola engaged in “massive production of infringing DVRs”
- The scale allegedly “dwarfs” previous TiVo patent cases
- Potential damages could reach “billions of dollars”
- TiVo may seek injunctions to halt sales of disputed products
(Motorola has filed counterclaims against TiVo in this ongoing patent battle.)
Google’s Risk Mitigation Strategy
Stanzione revealed Google’s crucial concession to facilitate the deal:
- Google agreed to cap Arris’ liability at “a very small number”
- While exact figures weren’t disclosed, Stanzione laughed off suggestions of $1 billion exposure
- “Google has taken that risk off the table for Arris,” he stated confidently
Potential Operational Impacts
When questioned about possible sales injunctions:
- Stanzione acknowledged theoretical “exposure” but called it “very remote”
- Google will maintain lead defense in ongoing litigation
- Arris pledged support “as best we can or as we’re asked to”
The Patent Silver Lining
The acquisition includes significant intellectual property advantages:
- Arris gains “a generous patent portfolio” from Motorola
- Broad licensing rights to Motorola Mobility patents
- Strengthens Arris’ position in telecom hardware markets
This strategic liability cap demonstrates Google’s commitment to facilitating the Motorola Home divestiture while protecting Arris from potentially crippling patent litigation risks.
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