Apple could have made $10 on every Android device sold, according to analyst

Most of you guys might already be aware that due to certain patents owned by Microsoft, a good number of high profile Android manufacturers are paying Microsoft a royalty for every handset manufactured. While most of the numbers aren’t exactly public information, word has it that HTC is paying $5 to Microsoft for every Android handset they manufacture.

According to an analyst, Kevin Rivette who works as a managing partner at intellectual property firm 3LP Advisors LLC, Apple could have easily done that themselves. Basically what he was saying that instead of taking pretty much every Android manufacturer to court (i.e. HTC, Samsung, Motorola), Apple could have instead licensed out the alleged infringed patents to the manufacturers. This would have netted Apple a cool $10 for every Android handset made and saved on the drama.

“It’s like a dam. Using their patents to keep rivals out of the market is like putting rocks in a stream. The stream is going to find a way around. Wouldn’t it be better to direct where the water goes?”

What do you guys think? Do you think Apple should have protected their patents the way they have by seeking bans and injunctions, or do you think the licensing route would have been smarter and financially strategic?