Privateering is becoming especially prevalent in the acquisition of patent portfolios from other companies.

FORBES: Patent Wars Rage As Tech Industry Waits For Serious Reforms

Over the past year, through the acquisition of OLED patent portfolios, new partnerships with companies both domestically and in South Korea, and the expansion of our facilities, we have been making the investments that we anticipate will enable us to remain at the forefront of an industry that we believe is only now entering the early stages of a period of significant growth.

FORBES: Universal Display Posts Mixed Q4; Shares Gain After Hours

On Wednesday, tiny Marathon Patent Group (MARA) announced the acquisition of U.S. Patent 5, 412, 730.

FORBES: New IP Company Marathon Patent Group Promises Diversification Amid Risky Environment

Novell is undergoing a transition as it has been acquired by software company Attachmate, and the patent sale is part of the acquisition deal.

FORBES: Morning Tech Wrap: Mac Store, Nokia, Yahoo!

On Monday morning, Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced its acquisition of Motorola Mobility Holdings (NYSE: MMI), perhaps in an attempt to diversify its patent portfolio and gain market share in the mobile telecommunications space.

FORBES: A Potential Play for Those Who Missed the Motorola Deal