Abstract:
Due to their distinctive approach to patent monetization, non-practicing entities (NPEs) have attracted growing academic and policy interest. This article presents three case studies of European NPEs to highlight the diversity of their business models and strategic behaviors. It contributes first by analyzing how these entities operate in technology markets, challenging the common perception of NPEs as purely rent-seeking actors. Rather than focusing solely on litigation, the cases reveal broader activities such as licensing intermediation and the commercialization of dormant intellectual property. The study also underscores the fluid boundaries between technology development, patent aggregation, and enforcement strategies. Second, it provides original qualitative evidence on underexplored European NPEs, often absent from research based solely on litigation or acquisition data. By offering new insights into these actors' roles within evolving innovative ecosystems, the article speaks to scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and legal professionals concerned with the governance of intellectual property and innovation.
Keywords: NPEs, business models, intellectual property, technology markets
