Ipglossary.com is a practical glossary for managers, executives and technologists as well as lawyers working in IP in an international environment. The glossary provides practical explanations of key legal and business terms in a large number of technology related fields including intellectual property, licensing, venture capital, corporate and securities law, antitrust and competition law, and of course terms relevant to technology, in general. Read more
Refers to a patent or patent portfolio owned by a company in a technical field in which it is no longer a commercial participant, i.e., it has become a potential “No-Horse Plaintiff.” Orphan patents are a prime candidate for a Troll style licensing campaign. However, they are also a key asset for a business seeking to raise funds and substantial orphan patent portfolios are frequently sold for very high prices, especially to newer entrants into the product market seeking to acquire a defensive portfolio. The term is also sometimes used to describe a patent where the inventor or inventors have left the company that owns the patent application and, less accurately to describe an orphan drug registration. A similar term is orphan ware, was another less related term is an orphan work.
Notifications
