SIM IP, the Miami-based intellectual property investment firm led by Erich Spangenberg, has closed 11 patent transactions over the 15 months to May 2026, concentrating on portfolios sourced from Chinese technology companies in areas where European patent enforcement is strongest. The firm operates as a principal using its own capital, and its most recent deal took 126 video coding patents from Alibaba covering the AV1 and AV2 standards. SIM IP also acquired applied AI company Garden Intel for $150 million in February 2026 to build a digital twin of Spangenberg’s judgment, trained on proprietary data from over 1,600 private deals. The firm is leveraging the Unified Patent Court, now operational across 18 EU member states, which allows a single injunction to block sales across all those countries simultaneously, targeting technology areas where hyperscalers and consumer electronics manufacturers have heavy European exposure.
Alibaba Group Holding LtdAlibaba sold 126 video coding patents to SIM IP, which may indicate weaker patent portfolio or enforcement risk
Astera Labs, Inc.SIM IP closed 11 patent transactions and acquired Garden Intel, building its IP investment business