HTC has confirmed it wishes to complete the purchase of S3 Graphics, in an effort to boost its patent portfolio. After mulling the buyout last year, HTC has publicly confirmed that it sees the graphics chipset designer’s 270-patent portfolio as an asset. Speaking at the annual shareholders’ general meeting, HTC general counsel Grace Lei labeled the S3 portfolio as “valid and strong” following the “cautious assessment.”
HTC last July bought VIA’s $300 million stake in S3, inspired by the graphics company’s win in ITC disputes against Apple on two patents. The rulings were later overturned in November, however, pushing HTC to reevaluate the buyout.
Aside from the patent catalog, the S3 purchase was also seen as a way for HTC to improve its graphics processing technology.
