This year’s Patski presentation theme relates to monetization of patents and other IP rights. Strategic utilization of patents is sometimes neglected in conversations between patent attorneys yet may be one of the most exciting areas of practice. While applicants file patent applications for various reasons — satisfying investors, protecting market share, or monetizing inventions — the manner in which patents are ultimately utilized often differs dramatically from their original purpose due to changing circumstances during the patent term.

Patent licensing and sales represent major potential revenue streams for applicants/patentees. Patent litigation can arise from licensing negotiations or from strategic market blocking without licensing intent. Cross-border transactions introduce additional complexities: jurisdiction issues, taxation considerations, cultural differences, and varying legal frameworks.

This year’s Patski presentations could explore topics such as:

• Licensing strategies during prosecution and litigation

• Patents in M&A transactions

• Negotiation tactics that work

• Differences between approaches for NPEs and practicing-entities

• How patent monetization may differ from monetizing other IP rights

• When litigation is the preferred monetization strategy vs. licensing or outright sales, and what to expect in different countries.