THQ declared bankruptcy, and subsequently its individual franchises have been put up for sale on the auction block. We've heard scuttlebutt of interest from big-name publishers like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and Warner Bros. But the company's properties are reportedly getting attention from smaller publishers, like Double Fine Productions.

Distressed Debt Investing tweeted the news (via Joystiq). Tim Schafer's studio apparently requested documents, which could indicate an interest in putting down a bid. THQ published two of Double Fine's recent games, Stacking and Costume Quest, but it's unclear which company owns the rights to those IPs. This doesn't necessarily mean that Double Fine will win or even place a bid, but it shows the range of publishers interested in picking through the bones of THQ.

Bids for properties are due by 9 AM ET on January 22, and a hearing will occur the next morning regarding the results. THQ CEO Brian Farrell previously said, "We will now know definitively by Jan. 23rd where we stand." Wherever THQ stands, it will be a good deal lighter.