The Munich-based startup CrowdPatent describes itself as the world's first platform in the alternative investment sector that enables investors to directly participate in inventions, patent applications, and patents. CrowdPatent thus offers a completely new asset class in which investors can acquire so-called InventionShares. This secures investors direct participation in the proceeds from the monetization of intellectual property rights.
Patents from the photovoltaics sector
Since November 17, 2015, CrowdPatent has been offering five patents relating to the autonomous cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of open-space photovoltaic (PV) systems as an investment opportunity.
The patents focus on a fully autonomous cleaning robot. This lightweight design offers sustainable outdoor mobility and largely unrestricted navigation, as well as cognitive processing systems for soiling detection and cell inspection. The application will increase the electricity production of ground-mounted PV systems while simultaneously reducing service costs.
Investors can now invest in the extension of patent protection with a minimum amount of 100 euros (= 1 InventionShare) on crowdpatent.comin order to ensure that, in the event of the sale of the property rights, share in the profits The five patents are offered for investment in three bundles or campaigns. The number of InventionShares available for purchase is limited to 1,000 for all three campaigns combined.
"Many excellent patents cannot be financially maintained by their owners for various reasons. Therefore, CrowdPatent not only supports the initial patent protection of inventions but also offers investors the opportunity to profitably participate in the extension of patent protection for selected patents with great market potential,"
explains Yorck Hernandez, CEO of CrowdPatent.
“The five patents relating to the PV system cleaning robot are a good example of high-quality patents for which the market will grow strongly.”
The patents are the result of a research project funded by the European Commission (EC) under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) between 2009 and 2011. Europe's largest PV companies supported the project and granted access to their PV power plants.
CrowdPatent completed its seed financing in June and received capital in the mid-six-figure range.
