Owing to a number of high profile legal cases, the mere mention of the word 'patent' tends to result in a sharp intake of breath from most within the industry.

The decision by a firm to protect its assets, however, is not always an aggressive move, and in Motorola's case, could be a means to distinguishing its business from the growing competition.

That's based on comments made by CEO Sanjay Jha during the Oppenheimer technology and communications conference, where he stated the company hasn't ruled out calling on rival Android manufacturers to pay the firm royalties.

Eye on IPs

"I would bring up IP as a very important for differentiation (among Android vendors)," Jha stated, with the company having posted a $56 million loss in Q2 2011.

"We have a very large IP portfolio, and I think in the long term, as things settle down, you will see a meaningful difference in positions of many different Android players.

"Both in terms of avoidance of royalties, as well as potentially being able to collect royalties. And that will make a big difference to people who have very strong IP positions."

Difficult decisions

It's no secret Motorola's position on Android has been significantly weakened by the actions of its rivals in recent years, following the firm's early high with the launch of the Droid in late 2009.

Now, the likes of Samsung, HTC and LG have stolen the momentum on the platform, which likely explains why Jha is looking to source income via other means.

Motorola's CEO has also talked up the possibility of supporting Windows Phone to supplement its Android line-up.

On both scores, however, Jha has given no timescale, and critics have already suggested any move to enforce patents could lead to a host of retaliatory action, undermining the Android business as a whole.

[source: Unwired View]