BlackBerry patent portfolio worth $2 to $3 billion, analyst estimates

As talk is escalating about the possibility of BlackBerry going on sale or possibly entering a joint-venture, some analysts are looking to the Canadians' patent portfolio as potential savior.

According to MDB Capital Group CEO, Chris Marlett, who spoke to AllThingsD BlackBerry's patent portfolio alone could muster about $2 to $3 billion in a cross-licensing deal.

And that is the estimated price if a lone bid for the portfolio arrives. If say Apple, Google or Microsoft all wanted to buy it and start a bidding war, BB's patents could amass sums between $4 and $5 billion.

BlackBerry still carries a lot of weight in the industry despite having financial troubles - its devices and services are well known, BlackBerry Messenger is used by some 50 million users. So if a major industry player like Google, Microsoft or Apple wanted to purchase BlackBerry entirely, the deal could be worth $8 to $10 billion.

BlackBerry currently has 5,236 active U.S. patent and about 3,730 active applications in wireless communication.

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