IPDefine Raises 500 Million Yen to Monetize Dormant Patents with AI, Accelerating IP Liquidity Through Patent Acquisition

Overview of the Funding

IPDefine, Inc. has announced that it has raised 500 million yen in funding, with Ichigo Asset Management as the underwriter. The newly secured capital will be allocated toward acquiring dormant patents held by corporations and strengthening the management and utilization framework following acquisition.

About IPDefine

Founded in September 2020, IPDefine accumulates global patent information, product data, and market data into its proprietary database, leveraging AI technology to visualize the economic value of intellectual property. By analyzing not only the technical content of patents but also their market applicability and potential for infringement, the company specializes in supporting corporations and research institutions in monetizing their intellectual property.

Background of the Funding and Future Outlook

Although Japan is one of the world's leading patent-holding countries, many companies face the challenge of "dormant patents"—intellectual property left unused due to shifts in business strategy and other factors. Building upon the newly raised funds, IPDefine will launch a full-scale patent acquisition business alongside its conventional evaluation support services.

The company handles the entire process end-to-end, ranging from AI-driven candidate extraction, technical and economic evaluation, and negotiations with rights holders, to post-acquisition licensing and rights transfers. Looking to the future, the company also envisions the securitization of patents, aiming to transform intellectual property from "assets to be held" into "assets that generate value and circulate," thereby constructing a new intellectual property market.

List of Underwriters (Investors)

• Ichigo Asset Management, Co., Ltd.