Over US$150 billion in royalties per year currently flow to patent owners—mostly to large pharmaceutical, semiconductor and telecommunications companies. Many smaller technology companies, however, are beginning to recognize the considerable revenue potential lying dormant in their patent assets.

Software firms—especially early innovators with valid patents—are becoming more alert to the fact that such revenue potential may be particularly significant in their industry. Relative to more mature sectors, the software industry is still evolving and not-yet fully cognizant of the rights of patent owners. A compounding factor is the prevailing culture, which includes such widespread practices as "cloning" software features—often without consideration or even awareness of existing patents. Contemplating such realities, many patent owners are beginning to realize that competitors—knowingly or unknowingly—could very likely be infringing on their patent rights. This means that pursuing licensing royalties could be highly lucrative.

But, many such patent owners lack the expertise, time and financial clout required to pursue these potentially significant licensing royalties. Partnering with NW Patent Funding Corporation can fill the gap.