SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- RPX Corporation (NASDAQ: RPXC), the leading provider of patent risk management solutions, announced that it has completed a licensing transaction with Boston University to acquire sub-license rights to patents used in optoelectronic devices such as blue LEDs and laser diodes. This transaction eliminates RPX clients' exposure to a broad-based litigation campaign and will result in the dismissal of 25 companies from litigation with Boston University. The University's case against defendants that are not RPX clients is ongoing. RPX also acquired option rights to grant sublicenses under the patents to certain prospective clients.
"This transaction eliminated patent risk across a long value chain for our clients in semiconductors, components, computing, and consumer electronics," said John A. Amster, Chief Executive and Co-founder of RPX Corporation. "It is a good case study for why we started RPX and how we leverage our client expertise to continue to save millions in legal fees benefiting everyone involved."
With more than a 400% increase in semiconductor defendants targeted in patent suits from 2006 to 2013, RPX research finds that patent holders are increasingly targeting technologies deployed by semiconductor companies. Blue LEDs are increasingly used in backlighting of consumer electronic products such as monitors, laptops, tablets, smartphones and televisions, and other lighting. The patent risks associated with these technologies have increased along with this growth.
As of September 30, 2013, RPX had invested over $700 million to acquire more than 3,800 US and international patent assets and rights, and had a client network of 160 members active in seven key sectors: consumer electronics and PCs, E-commerce and software, financial services, media content and distribution, mobile communications and devices, networking, and semiconductors.
About RPX Corporation
RPX Corporation (NASDAQ: RPXC) is the leading provider of patent risk solutions, offering defensive buying, acquisition syndication, patent intelligence, insurance services, and advisory services. Since its founding in 2008, RPX has introduced efficiency to the patent market by providing a rational alternative to litigation. The San Francisco-based company's pioneering approach combines principal capital, deep patent expertise, and client contributions to generate enhanced patent buying capabilities. By acquiring patents and patent rights, RPX helps to mitigate and manage patent risk for its growing client network.
SOURCE RPX Corporation