Why did Apple hire IBM's General Counsel?

Apple Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has hired the general counsel of International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM) for its own general counsel. Donald Rosenberg had been with IBM for some 30 years, but was just named general counsel at IBM back in early 2006. Prior to being the general counsel at IBM, he was the manager of IBM's litigation activities. Rosenberg will report to Steve Jobs with the title Senior Vice President & General Counsel.

Rosenberg brings a history of overseeing litigation, intellectual property protection, securities, Department of Justice and SEC negotiations, and policy.

While most articles are noting that Rosenberg is joining weeks after Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, admitted that he knew of the options irregularities, most also expect Jobs to escape the options probe without losing his head. So the focus in hiring Rosenberg may be more sweeping than any single event.

As Apple has taken the lead in digital music and as it has been storming directly into all digital media, this move could be interpreted as taking a more aggressive stance in protecting the company's intellectual properties and to facilitate negotiations with competitors and partners alike.

Jon Ogg is a partner at 24/7 Wall St.