Blog
See what we’ve been up to and learn more about the thinking behind our work.
The 2023 Brokered Patent Market
Was 2023 a good year for the patent market? We are torn. When we wrote the first draft of this year's report, the data looked gloomy. But then when we dug deeper and realised that the last year turned out not be too bad.
“The Brokered Patent Market in 2022.” Richardson et. al. IAM Media (April 2023)
Every Patent, Everywhere, All at Once" is the subtitle to this year's Richardson Oliver secondary patent market report. Erik Oliver, Michael Costa, and Kent Richardson have greatly expanded the data sets to cover more than 16,000 patent sales offerings including more than 280,000 patent assets.
“The 2021 Brokered Patent Market.” Richardson et. al. IAM Media (March 2022)
Since we started tracking the brokered patent market in 2012, we have seen more than $38 billion worth of patent assets offered on the market. As market information becomes more accessible, more companies participate and close deals.
The 2019 Brokered Patent Market Report is Now Available
Since average price per patent was the “worst thing that has ever happened to patents”, we are pleased to introduce the new worst thing ever.
“AT&T's Portfolio is a Treasure Trove for Buyers.” Diakun. IAM Market (February 2019)
IAM recently covered AT&T's increased activity in the secondary patent market, with Lyft, Uber and Facebook among the companies that have purchased its assets. The telecoms giant has a significant portfolio - in terms of volume and quality - which has attracted a number of businesses looking to bolster their own holdings.
“Brokered Patents Are Not Junk—and the Reasons Will Surprise You.” Ågren et. al. IPWatchdog (January 2019)
Occasionally, we hear people say, “brokered patents are all junk.” This begs the question, “are operating companies and non-practicing entities (NPEs) spending hundreds of millions of dollars buying junk patents?” Luckily, the short answer is no.
“You Need Defensive Patents but You Don't Have Any. Now What? A Case Study.” Richardson et. al. IPWatchdog (August 2017)
“You Need Defensive Patents but You Don't Have Any. Now What? A Case Study.” Richardson et. al. IPWatchdog (August 2017)
“2016 Patent Market Size and Conclusions.” Richardson et. al. IPWatchdog (April 2017)
In the final installment of the six-part IPWatchdog series ROL Group examines the overall patent market. We explore the key metrics for any company interested in getting a strong sense of the patent climate for 2016.
“Patent Sales Rates Decreased in 2016, but Patent Market Remains Viable and Robust.” Richardson et. al. IPWatchdog (April 2017)
In this fourth installment in the six-part series of the 2016 market report from IPWatchdog, the ROL Group team helps shed light on the market trends that patent buyers and sellers should keep in mind when evaluating patents.
“Doing Patent Deals: Key Issues in a Challenging Environment.” Richardson. PLI - IP Monetization and Investment 2017 (April 2017)
ROL Group has compiled its data on the brokered patent market to help give a better understanding to associated risks of patents. We look at litigation, overall market trends and more to help you make informed decisions when buying or selling.
“2016 Patent Market Report: Patent Prices and Key Diligence Data.” Richardson et. al. IPWatchdog (April 2017)
In this publication from IPWatchdog the ROL Group team takes a look at what patent buyers and sellers should expect from the current market.
“How and Why LinkedIn Learned to Love Patents.” Harrington et. al. IAM Magazine Issue 82 (March 2017)
LinkedIn was a big brand name with a small patent portfolio – a combination that made it vulnerable to a patent attack. In 2012 the LinkedIn decided to do something about it.
“Inside the 2016 Brokered Patent Market.” Richardson et. al. IAM Magazine Vol 81 (January 2017)
In our continuing series of annual publications on the activity in the secondary patent market, we see that the only constant is change.
“Patent Purchases and Litigation Outcomes.” Lemley et. al. 2016 Patently-O Patent L.J. 15 (December 2016)
The sales market for patent rights continues to vex analysts – especially in terms of valuation. In their Patently-O Patent Law Journal article, Professor Mark Lemley teams up with the Richardson Oliver Law Group to provide further guidance.
“Preparing a Patent Package for Sale.” Richardson et. al. IAM Market (September 2016)
Want to learn how to successfully prepare your patent portfolio for sale? We present our seven steps in a handy infographic.
“So, You Want to Buy Patents – 10 Best Practices in Corporate Patent Buying.” Richardson et. al. IPWatchdog (January 2016)
By adopting a few best practices, you can design and execute a successful patent buying program for your company.
Intellectual Ventures is Buying Again
IV's new fund bought 16% of all the packages sold in the first half of 2014. As a follow up to our article “What's Inside IV's Patent Portfolio?” we examined Intellectual Venture's recent buying practices, and in particular, buying for their new fund.
“Make vs. Buy: Patent Buying, IPO Webinar.” Harrison et. al. Make Buy Webinar (April 2012)
Companies have more options than ever before as they decide between investing in the development of a certain technological capability internally, licensing-in technology, or buying a patent or patents to obtain the freedom to operate. We and several other panelists discuss what IP lawyers both in-house and at law firms should bring to the table in these discussions.