LG Electronics is acquiring HP's WebOS mobile-software operations to expand internet connectivity for its consumer electronic devices. HP will retain WebOS's patents and license certain technology to LG for use in its web-connected televisions. LG is acquiring the source code, associated documentation, engineering talent and related websites associated with WebOS. As part of the transaction, LG also will receive licences under HP's intellectual property for use with its WebOS products, including patents acquired from Palm covering fundamental operating system and user interface technologies now in broad use across the industry. HP will retain ownership of all of Palm's cloud computing assets, including source code, talent, infrastructure and contracts, and continue to support Palm products. No financial details of the transaction were disclosed.
