U.S. Patent Reform Moves from Possible to Probable
We have refrained from writing much about patent reform in the U.S., wishing to avoid the inevitable random flashes of déjà vu (we’ve listened to patent reform talk for over six years now). S23 increased the probability of true reform when it proposed conformance with the international first-to-file protocol. Such a system has its detractors, [...]
Apple on Defense: Nokia Fires Back
Last Friday Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple won a ruling from an US International Trade Commission judge stating that it wasn’t violating Nokia’s rights on five patents. Without hesitation, in what must have been planned timing, Nokia filed a second complaintwith the US International Trade Commission, claiming that Apple’s iPhone and other products infringed on six more [...]
Apple on Offense: A Look at the Newest Patents
The Apple patent wars continue, and we will address the latest soon. That’s the defense. In this note, let’s look at the offense. Apple’s newest patent grants (removable, magnetic antennae and solar panels for SmartPhones) remind us of the need for a coherent strategy with respect to patent timing, and the trade-off between patent protection [...]
Rambus Rides the Licensing Wave
Rambus, like Qualcom in the wireless arena, is a favorite stock of tech watchers, as their innovation and IP licenses have driven their revenues and free cash flow (FCF) starting with Nintendo64’s adoption of their RDRAM® memory interface. Zacks recently reported the renewal of Rambus’ 5-year DRAM licensing deal with Toshiba. (This follows individual announcements [...]
Securing IP Adds Value
Mike Moberly at kpstrat.com has been in the forefront of teaching IP protection strategies for some time. As we have written here often, valuators need to vet an organization’s IP security as part of any due diligence associated with IP valuation. However, as Mike will be the first to tell you, CFOs have difficulty translating [...]
Exclusive Licenses to Six Patent Groups Set for Auction
Auctions of IP are always of interest to IP valuators, as they search for elusive comparables. There are six exclusive licenses covering separate patent groups developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory that will be available for auction this week at the ICAP Ocean Tomo IP Auction on March 31st in Manhattan. Here are the clusters, [...]
Add Enterprise Risk Management to Your Specific Company Risk Checklist
Is a classic automobile housed in a secure brick building more valuable than one parked on the street in South Bronx? In a technology company, is intellectual property covered by a comprehensive, centrally governed security plan more valuable than the same property without such a plan? We know that loss of reputation affects value adversely. [...]
The U.S. Patent Quality Debate Heats Up
The ongoing debate on patent reform has an interesting, continuing sidebar about patent “quality.” One friend entrenched in the IP legal/consulting world thinks there is a continental divide on the issue … where those East of the Mississippi feel USPTO is performing admirably, and those West feel just the opposite. He also feels patent attorneys [...]
How Do Valuators Look at “Patent Pending?”
I talked to a Technology Transfer Officer at AUTM earlier this month who said her university had a provisional patent on something, and it begged the question: How do valuators look at provisional patents? A useful article in Inc. illuminated the issue: there are no provisional patents. There are only Provisional Applications for Patents; they [...]
Rovio Rapidly Moves the Needle from Game to Brand to Franchise … and Value Moves Even Faster
Earlier this month Rovio, the Finnish mobile app game-maker scored $42M in Series A funding, led by Accel Partners and Atomico Ventures. This “values” the company at more than $200M, according to Finnish business magazine Talouselämä. (SharesPost isn’t listing any Rovio shares right now, but the owners are talking about an IPO on the NASDAQ [...]
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