This reminds me of when Palm bought Be Inc. Everyone thought Palm would start using BeOS instead of Palm OS 5, but really Palm just wanted the patents. So my guess here is, if Facebook really does make a purchase, it will to acquire intellectual property as either patents or evidence of "prior art".
I think it is becoming increasing clear, especially with the Yahoo patent suit, that Facebook desperately needs a patent portfolio. Additionally, what makes you so certain Facebook doesn't needs patents? Please, explain.
If they need a patent portfolio is beside the point. They don’t have a browser and are shopping for one, any patents they acquire would only be a bonus at that time.
