As talk is escalating about the possibility of BlackBerry going on sale (http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_might_be_up_for_sale_soon_is_looking_for_partnerships-news-6559.php) or possibly entering a joint-venture, some analysts are looking to the Canadians' patent portfolio as potential savior.
(http://cdn.gsmarena.com/vv/newsimg/13/08/blackberry-portfolio/gsmarena_001.jpg)
According to MDB Capital Group CEO, Chris Marlett, who spoke to AllThingsD BlackBerry's patent portfolio alone could muster about $2 to $3 billion in a cross-licensing deal.
And that is the estimated price if a lone bid for the portfolio arrives. If say Apple, Google or Microsoft all wanted to buy it and start a bidding war, BB's patents could amass sums between $4 and $5 billion.
BlackBerry still carries a lot of weight in the industry despite having financial troubles - its devices and services are well known, BlackBerry Messenger is used by some 50 million users. So if a major industry player like Google, Microsoft or Apple wanted to purchase BlackBerry entirely, the deal could be worth $8 to $10 billion.
BlackBerry currently has 5,236 active U.S. patent and about 3,730 active applications in wireless communication.
Source (http://allthingsd.com/20130814/blackberrys-patent-portfolio-ripe-for-picking/)
GSMArena.com