Semiconductor powerhouse reduces patent acquisition risk, sets precedent for negotiations
“Chipworks was able to quickly evaluate the strength of the patents so that we could make an informed decision. Chipworks has extensive knowledge of the industry, and we are extremely impressed with its reverse engineering capabilities and analyses.”
– Manager of Intellectual Property Licensing
Situation
A semiconductor powerhouse entered into unprecedented licensing negotiations with hundreds of millions of dollars in infringing revenue at stake. Realizing that this negotiation could set a standard for future agreements with its competitor and others, the company sought to demonstrate its strength and secure an advantage by adding to its already substantial patent portfolio. Having identified several patent portfolios for potential purchase, it required objective technical analysis to confirm the patents’ immediate and long-term value prior to making a significant investment.
Challenges
- Evaluate the strength of the patent portfolios under a tight deadline
- Obtain technical expertise not available in-house
Chipworks Solution
- Completed a review of the patents, mapping claims to the competitor’s devices
- Leveraged its extensive library of existing circuit and process analyses to cost-effectively identify a select group of patents
- Documented evidence of use and produced claim charts
Results
- Delivered claim charts documenting evidence of use that the company could use in its negotiations
- Provided the company with the evidence it needed to strengthen its negotiating position and establish the ground rules for future negotiations
- Reduced the investment risk of tens of millions of dollars for a fraction of the value of the deal
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