I believe it works both ways. If you're a small upstart company with novel tech and BIGCO gets you on the ropes with claims of patent infringement, you can buy

I believe it works both ways. If you're a small upstart company with novel tech and BIGCO gets you on the ropes with claims of patent infringement, you can buy protection from IV and in turn they'll provide you with patents from their arsenal so you can countersue BIGCO and settle on better terms. http://www.intellectualventures.com/news/press-releases/dashwire-becomes-intellectual-ventures-customer-and-gains-patents-for-defen/ http://www.intellectualventures.com/news/press-releases/dash... http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110801006668/en/Dashwire-Settles-Patent-Infringement-Lawsuit-Synchronoss-Technologies#.VNl6h7DF9sA http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110801006668/en/Dash...