Apple and Google spent more on patents than R&D in 2011

The New York Times’ excellent iEconomy series wrapped up this morning with a look into the current patent wars going on between Apple and other technology companies. A close read reveals several disconcerting facts: over $20 billion was spent on patent litigation and acquisition in 2011, which a hefty chunk of money. Also, in 2011, Google and Apple spent more on patents than on research and development. If there was ever a statistic that backs up the “patents are hindering creativity” argument, you’ve got it.

(more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Motorola (read: Google) drops patent claim against Apple, Smart watch with flip-up display patented by Google,

No Responses to “Apple and Google spent more on patents than R&D in 2011”

Post a Comment