Why should I consider selling my Patents?
Sale proceeds can provide a boost to the bottom line, fuel investment in new IP for core technologies, help establish a zero-cost center in a patent department, or fuel a serial entrepreneur for other projects. Whether you are a Start-Up or Fortune 500 company, revenues from selling unused IP only adds to the bottom line.
Solo Inventors: Selling part or all of a patent portfolio provides cash to invest on other endeavors.
Startups: Often, StartUp companies generate multiple cutting-edge technologies and patents, but do not have the resources to pursue all avenues. Selling unused IP offers a source of non-diluting funds or provide bridge financing and capital, to further drive a core pursuit. PPI’s deal flow from Silicon Valley also includes top-tier VC funded StartUps; we know the wind down process and its pitfalls.
Research Institutions: Many research institutions and universities continue to develop incredible technologies, but, for various reasons, only monetize a select few. Selling unused patents provides such institutions another option to raise money to drive the hot projects. Our repeat clients include leading global research institutes.
Large Companies: Companies often change directions and jettison entire business units. The stranded IP often becomes a liability with significant ongoing costs. Instead of letting the patents lapse by not paying the required maintenance fees, large companies may choose to sell these unused assets. This can help establish a zero-cost patent prosecution department. Patent sales are an effective way to recoup the costs of obtaining the patents and proceeds can be used to fuel and invest in IP for new technologies. Our clients include blue chip companies; this is the ultimate compliment after previously selling to these groups.
Solo Inventors: Selling part or all of a patent portfolio provides cash to invest on other endeavors.
Startups: Often, StartUp companies generate multiple cutting-edge technologies and patents, but do not have the resources to pursue all avenues. Selling unused IP offers a source of non-diluting funds or provide bridge financing and capital, to further drive a core pursuit. PPI’s deal flow from Silicon Valley also includes top-tier VC funded StartUps; we know the wind down process and its pitfalls.
Research Institutions: Many research institutions and universities continue to develop incredible technologies, but, for various reasons, only monetize a select few. Selling unused patents provides such institutions another option to raise money to drive the hot projects. Our repeat clients include leading global research institutes.
Large Companies: Companies often change directions and jettison entire business units. The stranded IP often becomes a liability with significant ongoing costs. Instead of letting the patents lapse by not paying the required maintenance fees, large companies may choose to sell these unused assets. This can help establish a zero-cost patent prosecution department. Patent sales are an effective way to recoup the costs of obtaining the patents and proceeds can be used to fuel and invest in IP for new technologies. Our clients include blue chip companies; this is the ultimate compliment after previously selling to these groups.
What are Buyers looking for?
PPI speaks with, and more importantly listens to, the patent Buyers every day. They trust us and tell us what they are looking for. This includes patent and technology purchases for products that have not yet arrived, and patent purchases for non-public disputes.
What technologies are Buyers currently looking for?
This answer changes constantly. Buyers are currently looking for a wide range of technologies, too many to list here. We receive a new shopping list from a Buyer every week. We log them. So when a seller approaches us, it is sometimes as easy as glorified match making.
Who can sell?
Generally, for patent sales, anyone who owns at least one issued patent with strong claims can enter the market. Large portfolios and foreign rights have unique value to some Buyers. Companies looking to clean out a closet of unused IP may have dozens or hundreds of saleable patents; the proceeds can provide a quick hit to the bottom line, fuel investment in new IP for more strategic technologies, or both. Venture Capitalists and other owners of IP from distressed companies may also look to quickly monetize the stranded assets and move forward. Patent owners wishing to avoid maintenance fees or continue prosecution can use patent sales to turn a liability into an asset.
For technologies or small companies, there has to be a working model and defensibility, and of course, a fit with an acquirer's future.
For technologies or small companies, there has to be a working model and defensibility, and of course, a fit with an acquirer's future.
Deciding whether to pay a Maintenance Fee?
Choosing to forego paying a patent maintenance fee values the asset at less than the value of the maintenance fee, or effectively zero. This is an ideal time to sell. We have helped numerous clients who opted to sell the asset when faced with the decision not to pay a maintenance fee.
