In the current legal environment, with patent litigation on the decline (especially in the U.S.), patent licensing (and related transactions) are heating up.

Tim Freestone explores why the growth in intellectual property and patent risks has not been matched by a corresponding growth in insurance.

BRIDGE provides an exclusive opportunity for member companies from across the globe — industry leaders and innovative startups — to share ideas, learn from IP experts and build stronger networks that provide value to our member companies.

Earlier today the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Oil States v. Green Energy, finding that inter partes review is constitutional both under Article III and the Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution. In a 7-2 decision, the Court determined that patents are a government franchise that are subject to review by the Patent Office even after granting, and can be revoked at any time.

Patent owners now have to think more strategically about where to file infringement lawsuits after the U.S. Supreme Court in May put new restrictions on venues for such cases.

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.

Over the past 18 months, our clients have begun to show greater interest in international patents (e.g. non-US). Increasing client interest in international patents corresponds with the general rise in importance of international patents (continuing ascension of the Chinese market, potential for unitary patent for Europe), more anti-patent owner decisions in the US, and greater patent litigation outside the US. Client interest spurred us to review our existing patent evaluation tools and methodologies for potential improvements.