Recently, Apple joined the $500B club. However, in 1997, Microsoft was the dominant company and Apple was nearly out of business. Local press discussed whether Sun or Oracle might acquire Apple. Then Microsoft invested $150M in Apple and agreed to continue Mac Office. Microsoft's surprising agreement was pivotal for Apple. What was behind that event? The following article states it was Steve Job's skillful negotiations and use of the Apple patents.
Steve Jobs used patents to pressure Bill Gates into 1997 investment in Apple.
Copyright © 2012 Robert Moll. All rights reserved.
