Patents just an expensive wall hanging or something else?

Are patents just an expensive wall hanging or do they have more value?

Nowadays you must have very clear objectives for every patent, otherwise they can just become expensive pictures on your office wall.

Would you invest £30,000 per square foot in a certificate that has a 70% chance of being cancelled when challenged?

The current rate of invalidation of US patents when challenged under the current IPR scheme is 70%, meaning that the very body that granted your patent finds it should not have when asked for a review!

Patents can be very important, even essential, for business, but there needs to be an ‘eyes wide open’ approach to patenting, so as not to end up with an expensive wall hanging.

Patents are a fundamental part of an overall ‘balanced diet’ of business strategy, IP rights and contracts; essential to build moats, protect competitive advantage and enhance the value of your business.

A market value for (some) patents. The value of patents has fallen given the above, however the volume of patent transactions has increased significantly (‘doubled’) in 2025.

There have been some recent (pro patent) law changes in the US and I for one expect there to be resurgence in the market for patents. Economic conditions and structural shifts in business are key ingredients for a growth in patent transactions.

The right patents help with blocking and tackling, risk, FTO, investor confidence, tax breaks, signalling, value, leverage, options etc. Just be very clear in your reasons for patenting.

Once you are on the patent conveyor belt it is difficult to get off, so planning ahead makes good sense.

Business first patenting and IP.