[reven]

What I am missing is why Sony and Ericsson, who jointly develop android based phones, would not partner up with Google and rather partner up with their competition (apple et al).

My suspicion is that SE actually need the patents in order to continue produce devices. Whereas Google can take the money/time they were prepared to invest and clean up the code removing infringing components for the Icecream sandwich release.

Thats ignoring the "lets play patent monopoly" and just focusing on the core products being produced. Code and Handsets.