Which patents do buyers covet most most today?
If a recent communication from patent expert and deal facilitator Louis Carbonneau of Tangible IP is any indication they are the usual suspects but with a few surprises. Crypto/Blockchain/Security comes up strong. The order presented in his recent newsletter is telling.
- Semiconductor
- Handset/laptop
- Wireless wifi 5/6
- Crypto/blockchain/security
- Network security
- Medical device
- Network hardware
- Imaging
- Battery
- Lights/led
- Automotive
- DisplayH
- IoT
Where is AI?
AI patents could be buried within other classes, such as Semiconductors or Blockchain, or, perhaps, the algorithm patents associated with AI are just not that highly patentable or certain. It’s unlikely that all of most fundamental AI patents have been granted.
The company’s Brokerage Criteria is a useful snapshot of the components of IP buyer value today.
Hardware-related AI patents, I would think, are primarily for the big four server-heavy AI players, who are unlikely to sue each other. Blockchain is another matter, altogether. Expect lots of litigation there, and, hopefully, some licensing.
Mr. Carbonneau is among the most trusted and astute observers of the IP space. He is also one of the most articulate, pointing out weaknesses in the patent system, as well as opportunities. A former Microsoft licensing executive and litigator, he is stays close to the trends. Tangible IP’s monthly “IP Market Updates” is widely read.
The company’s Brokerage Criteria is a useful snapshot of what represents the components of IP buyer value today. Everyone in the business, technology and legal world would benefit by taking a look at this one-page summary of what buyers, sellers, investors and defendants should be looking at to determine levels of patent value and credibility.
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