Patent portfolio

A patent portfolio is a collection of patents owned by a single entity, such as an individual or corporation. The patents may be related or unrelated.

The monetary benefits of a patent portfolio include a market monopoly position for the portfolio holder and revenue from licensing the intellectual property. Non monetary benefits include strategic advantages like first-mover advantages and defense against rival portfolio holders.

Because patents have a fixed lifespan, elements of a portfolio of patents constantly expire and enter the public domain.