An unbroken chain: the importance of securing patent ownership

Ownership of patent rights often is overlooked. The lack of an unbroken chain of title from the true inventors to the current owner can devalue, or completely impair, a US patent. Unfortunately, ownership issues usually do not arise until financing or a licensing agreement is sought and third party review of a US patent uncovers a deficiency, putting cloud over its title. In an extreme case, lack of complete title to a patent can be the deciding factor in infringement litigation. Court decisions in 2015 highlighted some of the pitfalls and lessons surrounding patent ownership.