Standards, Licensing & Global Competition in Capital Markets
May 2026 | U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, D.C.
Highlights from the TIP-X DC Forum, bringing together IP leaders, investors, and industry professionals to discuss the evolving patent transaction landscape.
TIP-X DC Forum
On May 14, 2026, Tech+IP hosted the inaugural TIP-X Forum at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C, bringing together a select group of over 30 experts in patent policy, standards, licensing, and capital markets for a focused, half-day exchange.
The forum featured three expert panels exploring what drives standards innovation, the gap between SEP licensing narratives and real-world market evidence, and the growing role of standards as a tool of industrial and geopolitical strategy. The morning concluded with a direct report-out from Capitol Hill engagements that took place the day prior.
What We Heard
Five key themes emerged consistently across panels and discussions:
Patents as Investment Infrastructure
Strong, predictable IP rights support capital formation, R&D investment, and standards participation. Patents should be viewed as economic infrastructure, not only legal rights.
Standards Are Competitiveness Policy
Standards are foundational to U.S. leadership in connectivity, AI, automotive, IoT, and future markets. Standards policy is innovation policy.
Licensing Needs a Better Public Narrative
Market-based licensing supports innovation, reduces transaction costs, and enables returns for inventors and investors. Clear distinctions between licensing and abusive practices are essential.
Enforcement Credibility Drives Investment
A credible enforcement framework supports effective licensing negotiations and discourages efficient infringement, helping maintain a healthy innovation ecosystem.
Advocacy Must Be Targeted, Data-Driven, and Bipartisan
Patent advocacy must move beyond generic messaging and focus on investment, jobs, national security, and the economic impact of strong IP rights.
Download the Full Brief
Access the full TIP-X DC Forum analysis, including market insights, transaction trends, technology developments, and key themes shaping the IP landscape.