Description: Blackberry, that Canadian company once known for its namesake phones, is now rebranded as a software and messaging security organization. Consistent with this outlook, Blackberry has sold-off patents it no longer considers part of its core business for the tidy sum of $900 million. Part of the compensation is based on future royalties of up to $700 million.

Date:  March 21, 2023

Source:  thestar.com

 Link: https://www.thestar.com/business/2023/03/21/blackberry-strikes-new-deal-to-sell-portfolio-of-non-core-patents.html?source=newsletter&utm_email=760BE779956395955CFBBA5C497D22A3

Discussion points:

1) Have you ever used a Blackberry handset?

2) What is your opinion of how this Canadian company has transformed itself in the face of the collapse of its once-famous cellular device?

3) Page 8-29 of Wiley’s Understanding Financial Accounting discusses patents. How long does patent protection last in Canada?