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Using Intellectual Property To Secure Financing After The Worst Financial Crisis Since The Great Depression, Brian W. Jacobs

Marquette Intellectual Property Law Review

Ever since Thomas Edison first used his patent on the incandescent electric light bulb as collateral to secure financing to start his company, the General Electric Company, intellectual property has been able to be used as collateral. Although not immediately thought of when securing financing, using intellectual property as collateral has occurred ever since the late 1800’s with Thomas Edison. In recent years, using intellectual property as collateral to secure financing has become quite popular. However, as with most financing in general, the use of intellectual property as collateral has slowed due to the first recession in the twenty-first century. …