Instant messaging, that rat-a-tat chat technology that is catching up toe-mail in popularity, still hasn't overcome a critical hurdle that e-mail cleared years ago: utter incompatibility among rival brands.

FORBES: Instant Headache

But a person familiar with the matter said the patents relate to fundamental Internet technologies, including email, instant messaging, Web browsing, Web search, online advertising, mobile technology and e-commerce.

WSJ: Facebook's Growth Slows

Despite the tech-stock meltdown, the proliferation of information technology makes AOL's 35 million customers and instant messaging feature valuable.

FORBES: Money & Investing