IP Commercialization and Dealmaking: The Role of European Patent Attorneys in a Changing Market
As European patent attorneys, our role has traditionally been centered around the drafting, prosecution, and enforcement of patents. However, the landscape is shifting. Increasingly, patents are seen not just as legal instruments but as valuable business assets that can be leveraged for strategic advantage. This shift brings new challenges and opportunities – ones that require us to expand our expertise beyond the conventional scope of patent law and into the realms of IP commercialization and dealmaking.
At the IPCC (IP Commercialization Committee), we actively educate epi members on various aspects of IP commercialization. So far in 2025, we have hosted three webinars:
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Tools of the Trade: Data-Driven IP Valuation and Dealmaking
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Standard Essential Patents: Global Licensing & Litigation Updates & Strategies
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How to Succeed in a Patent License Deal
In addition, at www.epi-learning.org, three free webinar recordings on IP commercialization from 2021, hosted by former epi President Tony Tangena, are available for those interested in further learning.
Building on these educational efforts, companies today are increasingly focused on maximizing the value of their patent portfolios. Patents have evolved beyond defensive tools to become integral to investment strategies, acquisitions, and licensing. The demand for structured patent transactions, cross-border licensing, and IP-backed financing is growing, requiring European businesses to navigate a globalized market. As patent attorneys, aligning IP assets with commercial objectives is key, necessitating expertise in deal structures, valuation, and negotiation.
Technology-driven IP transactions are on the rise, particularly in AI, biotech, and semiconductors. Litigation financing is reshaping patent assertion strategies, while the Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court (UPC) make Europe more attractive for global IP transactions. As multinational deals increase, patent professionals must understand diverse legal frameworks.
A key event in this space is the IP Dealmakers Forum, which is expanding its reach beyond the United States to Europe and returns to London on June 23-25, 2025 for its second edition. This event offers an opportunity for European patent professionals to connect with industry leaders and gain first-hand knowledge of the latest trends in IP commercialization and transactions. Attendees can engage in high-level discussions on patent valuation, licensing strategies, litigation finance, and deal structuring – critical topics for anyone involved in the business of IP.
As patent attorneys, staying informed about the commercial aspects of IP is becoming increasingly important. Engaging in discussions with investors, technology executives, and dealmakers enables us to provide more strategic guidance to clients and position ourselves as key players in the evolving IP ecosystem. By understanding the nuances of IP dealmaking and actively participating in industry dialogues, European patent attorneys can ensure they remain at the forefront of this rapidly changing field.
