AOL: You’ve got patents!
The two companies aren’t saying which patents are moving to the Microsoft camp, although AOL will still retain rights to use technology covered by the patents it is selling. Microsoft is also gaining non-exclusive licensing to the remaining patents in AOL’s portfolio.
AOL was once the king of online access, but has transitioned into more of an Internet media company as users changed their Web and email habits.
AOL has been working to sell off patents in an effort to raise cash. Microsoft won the portfolio through a competitive auction, and plans to complete the deal later this year after gaining standard regulatory approvals.