Software pioneer Openwave Systems' most influential contribution to the technology community will almost certainly be its proprietary messaging systems that ultimately formed the basis of the mobile internet infrastructure that is utilized by today's smartphones and tablets. The company is now planning to sell its core line of business - messaging and mediation operations software - and focus on monetizing its previously accrued intellectual property portfolio.

After finalizing the terms of an acquisition by Marlin Equity Partners, Openwave's remaining components will be rebranded as Unwired Planet. This new entity will be in charge of managing Openwave's portfolio of approximately 200 domestic and international patents and an additional 75 pending applications.

"We believe this transaction is in the best interests of our customers, employees and shareholders," Openwave CEO Mike Mulica explained. "As we complete the sale of our product businesses, we will continue to focus on a multi-pronged strategy to realize the value of our unique patent portfolio."

According to TechCrunch, Openwave has been a consistent source of tech sector IP activity in recent months. The company signed a licensing deal with Microsoft in 2011 that reportedly covers "the whole of its patent portfolio" and has also sold some of its patents to open source mobile developers at Purple Labs.