As expected for the #1 patent holder in the AI Biotech/Diagnostics sector, uBiome has been growing at a stunning pace, raising millions from investors, partnering with L'Oréal, and collecting numerous microbiome samples from around the world. However, the Silicon Valley healthcare startup is now facing unprecedented uncertainty. Many of its customers have complained about its billing practices over the past few years, the FBI raided its offices last month, and its two cofounders/co-CEOs are on "administrative leave." Although uBiome's questionable billing practices may be unrelated to the quality of its products, this crisis begs the question of what will happen to the business and its massive patent portfolio. Will uBiome continue to operate by relying on its technologies and customer base, or will it try to license its IP to other companies?
