Google strikes back

Just a week after being muscled out of a bidding war by a consortium of technology heavyweights, Google is looking at its next move in the tech industry's ongoing patent war.

The Wall Street Journal reports that wireless technology developer InterDigital has hired analysts to investigate alternative directions for the company, including a possible sale.

This may be a sign Google is looking to buy the company for its patents, after being outbid for the bankrupt Nortel's patent package by a consortium including Microsoft, Apple, Sony, Ericsson, EMC and Research In Motion, makers of the Blackberry.

Analysts suggest Google needs to bolster its patent portfolio to protect its Android platform from patent infringement lawsuits.

Shares in InterDigital have risen since the speculation began.