66th CHIZAI (IP) Seminar

NEDO Silicon Valley co-hosted a hybrid (in-person/online) IP seminar titled “Leveraging IP for Business Success - Tips on Patent Monetization and Litigation Management - ” with Morgan, Lewis & Backius LLP, as part of the Bay Area CHIZAI (IP) Seminar Series.

Presenter:

Jitsuro Morishita, Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Pallavi Shah, Managing Director, Mobity LLC

The patent transaction market is undergoing rapid transformation. In response to shifting economic conditions, operating companies are reducing IP budgets and monetizing non-core assets to generate cash. At the same time, investors—seeking alternatives to volatile public markets—are channeling capital into uncorrelated asset classes such as litigation funding and IP licensing. This influx of capital is driving aggressive acquisitions. Non-practicing entities (NPEs) are paying premium prices for high-quality portfolios, while forward-looking operating companies are strategically acquiring patents for defensive positioning and cross-licensing leverage.

In this CHIZAI seminar, we explored the recent global patent market trends. Our distinguished speakers provided practical insights on patent monetization strategies, navigating the rapidly evolving IP landscape, and understanding tools like litigation funding for both offensive and defensive purposes.

Jitsuro Morishita shared key insights into the latest trends in the patent transaction market, along with recent policy shifts—including changes to the Inter Partes Review (IPR) process at the USPTO. Leveraging his deep expertise, we gained valuable understanding of the role third-party litigation funding plays and explored effective strategies for patent litigation.

Pallavi Shah, a highly experienced investment banker, shared insights on how patent transactions unfold in practice. She provided a step-by-step look into the deal process, revealing strategies that maximize patent value and attract serious buyers. Her session also explored emerging trends shaping today’s patent transaction market, offering a rare insider’s perspective for innovators and investors alike.

Throughout the active discussion, we deepened our understanding of the current dynamics of the patent transaction market—not only in the U.S. but globally—and gained practical insights for shaping optimal IP strategies from both offensive and defensive perspectives.

At the end of the seminar, in-person participants enjoyed a live Rakugo performance by Sakura Horaku (桜法楽). His dynamic storytelling transported the audience into the world of full of imagination and insights, which transcended national and cultural boundaries.

We are deeply grateful to our exceptional speakers and sincerely thank all attendees who joined us in-person and online all over the world.

The NEDO Representative Office in Silicon Valley has dedicated significant efforts to building a stronger, more connected community that bridges countries through these IP seminars. We believe that sharing knowledge and fostering direct communication through the seminars will create meaningful opportunities and strengthen business collaboration between Japan and the United States.

We hope to see you at our next event!!