“In previous years, my predictions for this column used to center on new types of assets being developed, or new technologies taking center stage. This year my prediction is about going back to the basics, or more specifically: patents are making a comeback. We often get involved in IP valuations at the monetization point (licensing/sale, M&A or funding), where we see a clear return of the large patent portfolio (global, diversified portfolios of 50-100 assets or more) as a central element in a business strategy. Patents are definitely having a moment, and investors are paying attention. This trend is particularly visible in old-school “low tech” industries, like construction, where companies are looking to disrupt traditional industries and are using patents to create a moat around their product. This trend is also visible in industries that rely on patents more frequently, like cleantech and aviation, where companies are actually spending time and money to craft a robust patent portfolio before going to market, closely aligned with product development. This trend is poised to become more prevalent in 2024, as funding is getting harder and companies need to show more value in their assets.”