Microsoft recently paid between $150 and $200 million (based on different press reports) to acquire the Osterhout Design Group. The purpose for the acquisition was Osterhout’s treasure trove of “wearable computer” patents.
Despite initial reports that Microsoft was acquiring “hundreds of patents,” it turned out that Microsoft is actually acquiring just five issued patents and 76 patent applications. Let’s say half of the apps make it through prosecution and become issued patents. That still about 40 patents for $150 million plus.
Microsoft is banking a lot of dough on this technology! We are reminded of the advice that Deep Throat gave to Woodward and Bernstein: “Follow the money.”