BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) remains hopeful it can still acquire next-generation mobile assets from Nortel Networks. Reuters reports that the two Canadian vendors have held negotiations on key LTE patents (not included in the US$1.13 billion Ericsson deal announced at the weekend) “for months.” The news agency cites Research Capital analyst Nick Agostino as stating that, by trying to buy the LTE patents still held by Nortel, RIM is aiming to future-proof its business and avoid having to license the technology later from another company. “The opportunity is here now for them to own the… hopefully material patents. They can save on royalty costs and I think it’s also going to be a benefit on the margins.”

However, executives at RIM will also be clinging onto the small possibility that approval of the Ericsson/Nortel deal, expected as early as today, could hit trouble. According to Dow Jones Newswires, Canadian industry minister Tony Clement has not decided whether to intervene in the planned sale to Ericsson. RIM on Sunday asked the government to intervene, saying in a statement that “the government has the authority and responsibility to get involved to protect vital Canadian interests.” The Investment Canada Act gives the government the power to block a foreign investment on the basis of national security. For its part, Sweden’s Ericsson yesterday said it expected its deal to be approved. “We cannot see any reason why it should be rejected,” Hans Vestberg, CFO, told the Financial Times.