Quarterhill Inc T.QTRH

WiLAN Subsidiary Acquires Wired Connectivity Patent Portfoli

[Lagger95]

WiLAN Subsidiary Acquires Wired Connectivity Patent Portfolio

11/23/2021

 

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Wi-LAN Inc. ("WiLAN"), a Quarterhill Inc. ("Quarterhill") company (TSX: QTRH) (OTCQX: QTRHF), today announced that one of WiLAN's wholly-owned subsidiaries has acquired a patent portfolio from a publicly-traded leader in semiconductor technologies. The acquired patents relate to wired connectivity functionality, including various USB-C technologies used in a wide range of applications such as desktop and laptop computers, tablets, mobile phones, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.  All other terms of the transaction are confidential.

 

[Justhalffull]

More cash out the door for patents they can't find anyone to license.  Keep this up and we will be testing the 52 week low soon.

[whaler83]

What a waste of money that could go towards ITS

[wilander]

Saw a NR in my email this morning when I woke up. Got all excited!!! Apple resolution??!!!  ITS acquisition??!! Nope, just more money out the window on the true pet project, money better spent elsewhere with a huge thumbs up from a board who still sees Wilan as a big focus of the company. Ugh.

[ChiChi3]

I really don't understand why many people on this board think that Quarterhill should exist without WiLan.  WiLan is the company's advantage, that's where the buld of its experience lies, that's where cashflows and attractive margins lie.  ITS and company acquisitions is new to them and unproven to a large extent.  They seem to have an good |LONG TERM plan going

[wilander]

Because the market prices it into the stock as worth zero, chichi. It is wasted being a part of the company. And outside of the Apple settlement I dont see any large money coming from it anymore. Tell you what, we go up even 10 cents today on the news and I for one, wont bring it up again.

[cabbieJBJ]

With last week's iAM reported acquisition of semiconductor patents from Western Digital and today's announcement on USB-C wireless connectivity IP, it looks like my assertion that Wilan may be divested is unlkely to unfold in the near term. Is USB-C is a standard technology?

[Lazaros]

Yes, USB-C is standard tech. Laptops, phones, etc.

[Justhalffull]

USB-C connectors wwha is on an IPad. Rotationally symetrical.

[astutein]

cabbie-  a class post re assertion Wilan may be divested in near term as I know you.are all in  ITS>  Hopefully Wilan can produce Licensing Revenue to finance.  

[astutein]

Wilander-  I must take a few moments to comment on your recent post  re semi-s patent which stated " It is waisted being part of the company  and don't see any large money coming from it anymore. related to  connectivity Wired . Stop whinning about Wilan spends its money as you despise and hate Wilan.  You need to wake up and understand we are in a new world

[wilander]

Astutein -  By my handle you can see I did fall in love with Wilan (like you have) at one point. And for quite awhile. For many years. But it endlessly disappoints. Often because of things out of their control yes -- like a messed up court system and a patent system that has become a joke -- but that is what it is. And its not going to change. Semi conductor patents wont be any different as

[fishowl]

Back in September EU want to standardize the USB charging cables to the USB-C standard. If this happens and the patent includes the charging, then maybe this will become a bigger deal than most believe. See attached link for one article on this. https://www.zdnet.com/article/eu-wants-usb-c-to-become-standard-charging-port-for-all-smartphones-to-cut-down-e-waste/

[cabbieJBJ]

Intel has a lot of IP in this area.  Interdigital is a top holder.  The list of top holders af USB-C patents can be found on Google Patents: https://patents.google.com/?q=USB-C 

[v_guerriero]

The only real types of patents that have any real value in a patent assertion context are standard essential ones.  This is a portfolio that appears to read on a USB-C standard.  I expect this was acquired under a patent partnership agreement.  Any investment into WiLan is perceived as a negative.  The only positive for WiLan is when deals are signed.  Or if this thing

[redcoats]

There was a day when the market would have considered this very good news. I still think it is. If nothing else, it demonstrates a commitment to their future.

[100mill]

Redcoats, I totally agree. Even if Quarterhill plans to sell Wilan at some point of the future, they'll get more if Wilan has an active patent pipeline.

[cabbieJBJ]

Very good point 100mill.  The cost of keeping an active pipeline is very low, assuming that acquisitions are on the partnership model.  I believe that to be the case with yesterday's wired connectivity IP announcement as well as the transfer from Western Digital reported last week by iAM.

[IPGutcsi]

That's what I was trying to say in my previous point... they are likely "prettying up the (Wilan) pig for sale"! Or more pleasantly put, they are "Building up the active pipeline"... Atleast this is my hope, after the Apple case is settled (eitherway) they might be considering a sale of WiLAN to fund the ITS M&A strategy  through IRD.  

[astutein]

Whaler83  Just of quick comment re "Waste of money that could go towards ITS. Whaler83 WE live today in world of semi-conductors and almost everything is connected re semi-conductors.  In order to exist in today's world you have to move or get left behind. The news release states Patent portfolio acquired by Publicly trade leader in SEMI-CONDUCTORS. I like you hope Wilan

[wanttoknowwhy]

Great. In my view it's critical to protect ETC/IRD ITS (tolling,back office, sensorand develop 5G ITS connectivity/mobility..

[Lazaros]

I agree. Holding patents is as much about defence as offence.

[wanttoknowwhy]

EU proposes mandatory USB-C on all devices, including iPhones with the aim of reducing e-waste https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/23/22626723/eu-commission-universal-charger-usb-c-micro-lightning-connector-smartphones

[Justhalffull]

Connectors on your laptop or home computer and those usually found in your vehicle are type A connectors.  They only fit one way.  Type  connectors are more square, and are often found on printers.  Type c is smaller symetrical, usually found on hand held devices.