Apple, Google and Samsung Join for Kodak Auction

In a great twist of irony, Samsung and Apple, despite being at each other's necks in San Jose, California, have joined forces in order to bid for the patents that Kodak has put up for auction.

Google is the third member of this motley alliance, despite previous reports saying that it and Apple would compete instead of cooperate.

What's more, HTC is supposedly part of the group as well, along with Intellectual Ventures Management LLC and RPX Corp.

A large group, to be sure, and one that antitrust regulators may not like, due to the likelihood of Kodak falling short of its $2.2-$2.6 billion goal (1.78-2.10 billion Euro). The consortium intends to open with $500 million (405 million Euro).

On the flip side, for the patents to be owned by so many means that the risk for patent infringement lawsuits is low.