Ocean Tomo

Ocean Tomo does not focus on traditional equity stages like seed or venture. Instead it targets mature patent portfolios and intellectual property assets, often from corporations, universities, or bankrupt estates. Its deals range from single-asset sales to multi-billion-dollar portfolio transactions, typically through live auctions or bilateral negotiations.

The firm sources IP through patent auctions, relationships with corporate R&D teams, patent assertion entities, and bankruptcy estates. Its long involvement in the IP marketplace means it often receives inbound offers from patent holders seeking liquidity. The 600+ auctions conducted since 2003 provide a deep repository of counterparty relationships.

Ocean Tomo operates through advisory mandates and brokerage services, not as a fund-of-funds or direct fund commitment vehicle. It does not manage blind-pool capital for LPs; rather it charges fees for valuation, brokerage, and structuring engagements. Clients include corporations, universities, and government entities paying for expertise.

Ocean Tomo does not target venture-stage technology companies, real estate, or commodity-based assets. Its focus is strictly on intellectual property and intangible assets, meaning it avoids any physical-asset-heavy or operational businesses outside the IP realm.

Ocean Tomo has spun out several entities over the years, including patent-holding companies and investment vehicles. The firm frequently uses special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to hold patent portfolios acquired through its brokerage and advisory arms, maintaining operational separation between its core services and investor-funded structures.

Ocean Tomo is a privately held firm, not a family office. Its ownership includes founder James Malackowski and other partners. There is no publicly disclosed single-family-wealth origin; the firm generates revenue from advisory fees rather than managing third-party capital.

The firm does not publicly disclose a dedicated foundation or philanthropic arm. Any charitable activities are likely managed privately by individual partners. The firm's core activities remain purely commercial, focused on IP valuation and brokerage.