``In today`s knowledge economy, intellectual property can be a company`s most valuable asset. Circumstances frequently arise, however, where a company`s own IP is insufficient to meet business requirements. Entry into a new business realm, pressure from suppliers or partners, and the threat of patent litigation can each create their own IP needs. Acquisition of patents can be a cost-effective mechanism for dealing with these situations. Acquired patents can be used for leverage in cross-licensing situations, for counter-offensives in patent litigation, and for revenue generation.

Based on the specific business needs of the client, TPL performs focused patent mining. Through detailed claims-based analysis, TPL rapidly identifies patents of potential value, contacts assignees to determine availability and pricing, and works with the client to complete the evaluations and purchase transactions. TPL assists its clients with all aspects of the patent transaction, ensuring that assets are securely transferred.

Patent mining is an art, not a science. It requires a flexible approach and the ability to rapidly refocus the search. A targeted mining effort against an adversary can require inspection of thousands of patents just to find a handful that can be used. TPL has developed a unique methodology and proprietary software, iPatents™, to allow rapid identification of valuable patents. Combining our patent mining expertise with our reverse engineering and litigation support capabilities, TPL has successfully located and acquired patents that have produced hundreds of millions of dollars in savings for our clients.``

http://www.techpats.com/patent_acquisition.php