Patents

Lots of buzz preceded what was billed as the world's first live, multi-lot technology patent auction on April 6, but reality failed to meet expectations for many of the inventors who put up 400-plus patents for sale.

A Chicago merchant bank will take a new twist on selling intellectual property next week when it holds a live auction to sell 400-plus patents from some of the most valued technology innovators in the world. Lori Valigra looks at the list.

Tectonic shifts in the patent landscape could follow on from high-profile lawsuits challenging what can be protected by a patent and how patents are enforced that are due to be heard by the US Supreme Court this month.

Lost in the European patent maze? Or not sure where to start? Try finding your way around with the Science|Business guide to patents in Europe