IBM found itself on top of the U.S. patent rankings again in 2012, amassing nearly 1,400 more registrations than it's closest competitor (Samsung) and more than doubling third-place Canon. While this is not an altogether surprising development, the strategies that have enabled such longevity are worth noting.

Mobile internet innovator Unwired Planet, formerly Openwave Systems, has acquired more than 2,000 registered patents and pending applications from Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson. The deal is expected to provide Unwired Planet with additional ammunition in its ongoing litigation with Apple, Google and others while affording Ericsson a share of future licensing revenues.

Mobile internet innovator Unwired Planet, formerly Openwave Systems, has acquired more than 2,000 registered patents and pending applications from Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson. The deal is expected to provide Unwired Planet with additional ammunition in its ongoing litigation with Apple, Google and others while affording Ericsson a share of future licensing revenues.

As a leading advocate for and supporter of free market innovation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has taken particular interest in patent infringement cases that keep important technical and conceptual advancements out of the hands of those who stand to benefit from their existence. As a result, officials recently released a joint statement with the U.S. Department of Justice recommending that the U.S. International Trade Commission consider the public's best interests before validating any sales bans stemming from patent suits.

As a leading advocate for and supporter of free market innovation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has taken particular interest in patent infringement cases that keep important technical and conceptual advancements out of the hands of those who stand to benefit from their existence. As a result, officials recently released a joint statement with the U.S. Department of Justice recommending that the U.S. International Trade Commission consider the public's best interests before validating any sales bans stemming from patent suits.

Bankruptcy is an unfortunate possibility for businesses operating in a market-based economy, and its impact often extends far beyond the entity filing for the motion. These issues were recently underscored in a case that has inspired renewed debate on if and how licensing agreements should be honored when patent portfolio owners become insolvent.

Bankruptcy is an unfortunate possibility for businesses operating in a market-based economy, and its impact often extends far beyond the entity filing for the motion. These issues were recently underscored in a case that has inspired renewed debate on if and how licensing agreements should be honored when patent portfolio owners become insolvent.

Harvard Law School is starting 2013 with its first ever foray into free online education. For the spring semester, the Ivy League institution is hoping to demystify copyright management complexities for the general public with a 12-week course touching on digital innovations and legal implications.

Google's proprietary technologies have come under extensive scrutiny in recent times amid a 19-month probe launched by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Regulators arrived at a conclusive decision this week, however, finding that the company's search algorithm designs and patent licensing practices did not unfairly improve market standing or merit sanctions.

Firms have been filing provisional patent applications in the U.S. for nearly two decades, and the impending transition to a first to file system is expected to expand the popularity of the procedural mechanism. However, some are wondering if the rate of activity is an accurate indicator of the strategy's true value.