> if they lose, they force higher bids from others, meaning that others are going to have to outlay a lot more cash just to get into a position where they can sue Google from, so that once they do, they are doing so from a weaker position

On the other hand, it could also mean that the eventual winner has more incentive to seek higher licensing fees, and to sue those who won't buy licenses, in order to make up for the higher amount they paid to get the patents.