Selling & Buyers
What is a patent aggregator or non-practicing entity, and should I sell to one?
The short answer
Aggregators and NPEs buy patents to license or enforce them rather than to build products. They're legitimate, well-funded buyers — NPEs purchase a growing share of brokered deals — but market data shows packages they pick up are among the most litigated assets on earth, which is a trade-off to price in, not a reason to refuse.
The full picture
Selling to an aggregator has real advantages: they move fast, they understand patents as assets, and they'll buy portfolios operating companies pass on. The disadvantages: they negotiate professionally (expect conservative pricing), they may enforce aggressively against companies in your industry (relationships can matter), and you give up any say in how the patent is used.
Whether to sell to one depends on your alternatives. If operating companies in your market are reachable, they usually pay better. If they're not, an aggregator's certain check often beats years of carrying costs. Knowing which situation you're in — before either side quotes a number — is the whole game, and it's a quick read.
Where does your patent stand?
The Beyond the Patent Commercialization Score answers that — a professional, factor-by-factor read on your patent's licensing, sale, build, and partner potential.
Related questions
General information for patent owners — not legal advice. Read the disclaimer.