To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: The vast majority of patent litigation involves a patent or a patent portfolio that has been assigned at least once during its life. Yet seemingly simple and ubiquitous patent assignment documents are blundered by even experienced counsel. Failed patent assignments present a conspicuous procedural trap for unwary patent owners and creates an opportunity for a Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(1) “lack of standing” challenge. [1] To name a few potential pitfalls, U.S. patent law is clear that patent assignments must be in “present tense” language (“assigns” not “will assign” or “shall assign”),