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I don't understand this point:

"The Pledge remains in force for the life of the patents, even if we transfer them."

I realize Google can claim whatever they want, but I don't see how they enforce this pledge for other entities which inherit their patents. How does the pledge actually bind (at a legal level) entities which inherit the patents?

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"It is Google’s intent that the Pledge be legally binding, irrevocable (except as otherwise provided under “Defensive Termination” below) and enforceable against Google and entities controlled by Google, and their successors and assigns. Thus, Google will require any person or entity to whom it sells or transfers any of the Pledged Patents to agree, in writing, to abide by the Pledge and to place a similar requirement on any subsequent transferees to do the same." http://www.google.com/patents/opnpledge/pledge/

They could make upholding the pledge a condition of transfer.

Yep. Contract law.

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