Intel joins Apple, Google with antitrust approval for Nortel patent auction

Intel has joined both Apple and Google in gaining approval from US antitrust regulators to enter the auction for patents and assets which have been put up for sale by bankrupt communications firm Nortel Networks Corp.

Reuters reports that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the approval in a bulletin which is published a number of times each week, deciding that Intel would not be able to monopolise the market if it was to successfully outbid its rivals.

Nortel’s portfolio is said to contain about 6,000 patents and patent applications, covering wireless, data, networking, voice and Internet technologies which could assist Apple, Google and Intel in successfully fighting potential patent suits.

However, Google and Apple are most likely to fight for ownership of the wireless technologies, which cover 4G and LTE, when the auction begins on Monday. Google is reportedly lining up a $900 million bid for the rights.