Cash-rich Apple contributed more than half of the US$4.5 billion paid last month for Nortel’s 6,000-strong patent portfolio. The Cupertino-based technology giant was part of a winning consortium that also included EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, Research In Motion and Sony. At the time of the announcement, RIM said it had contributed US$770 million while Ericsson invested US$340 million. In its quarterly 10-Q filing with the SEC last week, Apple noted: “On June 27, 2011, the Company, as part of a consortium, participated in the acquisition of Nortel’s patent portfolio for an overall purchase price of US$4.5 billion, of which the Company’s contribution will be approximately US$2.6 billion. This asset acquisition is subject to approval by various regulatory agencies.”

Apple initially bid alone for the portfolio, but when the bids reached a certain level it teamed up with rivals to ensure that stalking horse Google was not successful.  While the sum is substantial, it is small compared to the US$76.2 billion cash hoard Apple said it has amassed as of the end of the second quarter.  It is reportedly now interested in bidding for wireless technology and licensing firm InterDigital, which said last week it is exploring strategic options for its future (including a sale). Apple’s cash mountain is more than the GDP of 126 countries, including nations such as Ecuador, Bulgaria, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica, according to data from the World Bank. Some investors have called for Apple to use some of the cash for dividend payouts, leading Apple to respond with a statement that it “strongly believes that one or more very strategic opportunities may come along that we can take that we’re in a unique position to take advantage of because of our strong cash position.”