10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

________________________________________

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

or

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO

Commission File Number: 0-26068

________________________________________

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

________________________________________

DELAWARE	95-4405754
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

500 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660

(Address of principal executive offices)

(949) 480-8300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

________________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     x  Yes    o  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     x  Yes    o  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

Large accelerated filer  x	Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes  o    No  x

As of November 5, 2012, 49,788,760 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value, were issued and outstanding.

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
Table Of Contents
Part I.	Financial Information
	Item 1.	Financial Statements	1
		Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (Unaudited)	1
		Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)	2
		Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)	3
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)	4
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	5
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	28
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	29
Part II.	Other Information		30
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	30
	Item 5.	Other Information	30
	Item 6.	Exhibits	30
Signatures			31
Exhibit Index			32

i

PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share information)

(Unaudited)

	September 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	264,151		$	314,733
Short-term investments	146,647			6,597
Accounts receivable	16,635			2,915
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,045			803
Total current assets	430,478			325,048
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	317			220
Patents, net of accumulated amortization	226,317			25,188
Goodwill	36,217			—
Investments - noncurrent	—			1,956
Other assets	417			465
	$	693,746		$	352,877
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses / costs	$	16,388		$	6,625
Royalties and contingent legal fees payable	21,478			23,508
Total current liabilities	37,866			30,133
Deferred income taxes	33,616			—
Other liabilities	659			632
Total liabilities	72,141			30,765
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	—			—
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 49,770,624 and 42,928,001 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	50			43
Additional paid-in capital	631,000			386,821
Accumulated comprehensive income (loss)	382			(1,830		)
Accumulated deficit	(15,455		)	(65,085		)
Total Acacia Research Corporation stockholders’ equity	615,977			319,949
Noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	5,628			2,163
Total stockholders’ equity	621,605			322,112
	$	693,746		$	352,877

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except share and per share information)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenues	$	34,939		$	50,585		$	184,463		$	151,461
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues:
Inventor royalties	5,032			15,592			22,199			37,269
Contingent legal fees	8,833			12,328			19,188			34,734
Litigation and licensing expenses - patents	5,973			3,501			14,622			10,800
Amortization of patents	10,412			1,946			20,931			8,318
Verdict insurance proceeds	—			(12,451		)	—			(12,451		)
Verdict insurance proceeds related costs	—			7,661			—			7,661
Marketing, general and administrative expenses (including non-cash stock compensation expense of $6,285 and $17,375 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $3,568 and $9,891 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively)	11,914			8,748			37,548			27,031
Research, consulting and other expenses - business development	1,139			850			4,222			2,893
Total operating costs and expenses	43,303			38,175			118,710			116,255
Operating income (loss)	(8,364		)	12,410			65,753			35,206
Total other income (expenses)	(41		)	25			117			78
Income (loss) from operations before benefit from (provision for) income taxes	(8,405		)	12,435			65,870			35,284
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	1,938			(1,889		)	(16,303		)	(9,343		)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(6,467		)	10,546			49,567			25,941
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(152		)	257			63			(646		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$	(6,619	)	$	10,803		$	49,630		$	25,295
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Acacia Research Corporation:
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	0.26		$	1.06		$	0.65
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	0.25		$	1.04		$	0.62
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	48,332,878			41,292,819			46,886,820			39,178,952
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	48,332,878			42,857,880			47,795,819			40,733,813

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012		2011
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$	(6,619	)	$	10,803		$	49,630	$	25,295
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $323 and $(9) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $0 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011	(588		)	(1,913		)	2,000		(1,913		)
Add: reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (loss)	173			—			212		—
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(7,034	)	$	8,890		$	51,842	$	23,382

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	$	49,567		$	25,941
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	21,034			8,393
Non-cash stock compensation	17,375			9,891
Change in valuation allowance on deferred taxes	(10,237		)	—
Other	490			(15		)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(13,720		)	(24,573		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,485		)	949
Accounts payable and accrued expenses / costs	2,690			(737		)
Royalties and contingent legal fees payable	(2,030		)	24,290
Deferred income tax	6,546			—
Net cash provided by operating activities	70,230			44,139
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(200		)	(172		)
Purchase of available-for-sale investments	(305,007		)	(8,427		)
Maturities and sale of available-for-sale investments	169,016			60
Purchase of ADAPTIX, Inc., net of cash acquired	(150,000		)	—
Patent acquisition costs	(64,960		)	(2,805		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(351,151		)	(11,344		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of issuance costs	218,983			175,232
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiary	(312		)	(2,897		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiary	3,840			877
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	7,554			1,730
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	274			411
Net cash provided by financing activities	230,339			175,353
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(50,582		)	208,148
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning	314,733			102,515
Cash and cash equivalents, ending	$	264,151		$	310,663

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

4

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Description of Business. As used herein, “Acacia” and the “Company” refer to Acacia Research Corporation and/or its wholly and majority-owned and controlled operating subsidiaries.  All intellectual property acquisition, development, licensing and enforcement activities are conducted solely by certain of Acacia’s wholly and majority-owned and controlled operating subsidiaries.

Acacia’s operating subsidiaries acquire, develop, license and otherwise enforce patented technologies.  Acacia’s operating subsidiaries generate revenues and related cash flows from the granting of intellectual property rights for the use of, or pertaining to, patented technologies that such operating subsidiaries own or control.  Acacia’s operating subsidiaries assist patent owners with the prosecution and development of their patent portfolios, the protection of their patented technologies from unauthorized use, the generation of revenue from users of their patented technologies and, if necessary, the enforcement against unauthorized users of their patented technologies. Currently, on a consolidated basis, Acacia’s operating subsidiaries own or control the rights to over 250 patent portfolios, which include U.S. patents and certain foreign counterparts, covering technologies used in a wide variety of industries.

In January 2012, a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Acacia acquired ADAPTIX, Inc. (“ADAPTIX”), a pioneer in the development of 4G technologies for wireless systems, for cash consideration of $160 million, as described at Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Acacia and its wholly and majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Noncontrolling interests in Acacia’s majority-owned and controlled operating subsidiaries (“noncontrolling interests”) are separately presented as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated statements of financial position for the applicable periods presented. Consolidated net income (loss) is adjusted to include the net (income) loss attributed to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations. Refer to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for total noncontrolling interests, net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and contributions from and distributions to noncontrolling interests, for the applicable periods presented.

In August 2010, a wholly owned subsidiary of Acacia became the general partner of the Acacia Intellectual Property Fund, L.P. (the “Acacia IP Fund”), which was formed in August 2010. The Acacia IP Fund is authorized to raise up to $250 million. The Acacia IP Fund acquires, licenses and enforces intellectual property consisting primarily of patents, patent rights, and patented technologies. The Acacia IP Fund is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the periods presented, as Acacia’s wholly owned subsidiary, as the majority owner and general partner, has the ability to control the operations and activities of the Acacia IP Fund.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed in accordance with quarterly reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2011, as reported by Acacia in its Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The consolidated financial statements of Acacia include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of Acacia’s financial position as of September 30, 2012, and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented.  The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.

5

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been substantially performed pursuant to the terms of the arrangement, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable, and (iv) the collectibility of amounts is reasonably assured.

In general, revenue arrangements provide for the payment of contractually determined fees in consideration for the grant of certain intellectual property rights for patented technologies owned or controlled by Acacia’s operating subsidiaries.  These rights typically include some combination of the following:  (i) the grant of a non-exclusive, retroactive and future license to manufacture and/or sell products covered by patented technologies owned or controlled by Acacia’s operating subsidiaries, (ii) a covenant-not-to-sue, (iii) the release of the licensee from certain claims, and (iv) the dismissal of any pending litigation.  The intellectual property rights granted may be perpetual in nature, extending until the expiration of the related patents, or can be granted for a defined, relatively short period of time, with the licensee possessing the right to renew the agreement at the end of each contractual term for an additional minimum upfront payment.  Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, Acacia’s operating subsidiaries have no further obligation with respect to the grant of the non-exclusive retroactive and future licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other deliverables, including no express or implied obligation on Acacia’s operating subsidiaries’ part to maintain or upgrade the technology, or provide future support or services.  Generally, the agreements provide for the grant of the licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other significant deliverables upon execution of the agreement, or upon receipt of the minimum upfront payment for term agreement renewals.  As such, the earnings process is complete and revenue is recognized upon the execution of the agreement, when collectibility is reasonably assured, or upon receipt of the minimum upfront fee for term agreement renewals, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Cost of Revenues.  Cost of revenues include the costs and expenses incurred in connection with Acacia’s patent licensing and enforcement activities, including inventor royalties paid to original patent owners, contingent legal fees paid to external patent counsel, other patent-related legal expenses paid to external patent counsel, licensing and enforcement related research, consulting and other expenses paid to third parties and the amortization of patent-related acquisition costs.  These costs are included under the caption “Cost of revenues” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  

Inventor Royalties and Contingent Legal Expenses. Inventor royalties are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized.  In certain instances, pursuant to the terms of the underlying inventor agreements, costs paid by Acacia’s operating subsidiaries to acquire patents are recoverable from future net revenues.  Patent acquisition costs that are recoverable from future net revenues are amortized over the estimated economic useful life of the related patents, or as the prepaid royalties are earned by the inventor, as appropriate, and the related expense is included in amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations.  Any unamortized patent acquisition costs recovered from net revenues are expensed in the period recovered, and included in amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Contingent legal fees are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized. In instances where there are no recoveries from potential infringers, no contingent legal fees are paid; however, Acacia’s operating subsidiaries may be liable for certain out of pocket legal costs incurred pursuant to the underlying legal services agreement.  Legal fees advanced by contingent law firms that are required to be paid in the event that no license recoveries are obtained are expensed as incurred and included in liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, Acacia entered into agreements with unrelated third parties resolving pending patent matters that resulted in the grant of certain intellectual property rights and recognition of revenues, a portion of which were not subject to inventor royalty and contingent legal fee arrangements, as well as the grant of certain intellectual property rights from certain of Acacia’s operating subsidiaries and recognition of revenues that were subject to inventor royalties and contingent legal fee arrangements.  Revenues recognized subject to inventor royalties and contingent legal fees are based on a determination by the respective operating subsidiaries.

Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Acacia believes that, of the significant accounting policies described herein, the accounting policies associated with revenue recognition, stock-based compensation expense, impairment of marketable securities and intangible assets, the determination of the economic useful life of amortizable intangible assets, income taxes and valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets

6

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

and the application of the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, require its most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

Concentrations. Five licensees individually accounted for 30%, 13%, 10%, 10% and 10% of revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012, and four licensees individually accounted for 29%, 20%, 11% and 10% of revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Two licensees individually accounted for 59% and 26% of revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2011, and three licensees individually accounted for 30%, 20% and 16% of revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Three licensees individually represented approximately 27%, 21% and 20% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2012. Five other licensees individually represented approximately 18%, 15%, 14%, 13% and 10% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2011. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, 12% and 45%, respectively, of revenues were attributable to licensees domiciled in foreign jurisdictions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, 59% and 56%, respectively, of revenues were attributable to licensees domiciled in foreign jurisdictions.

Stock-Based Compensation. The compensation cost for all stock-based awards is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense, on a straight-line basis, over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award) which is generally two to four years. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is determined by the product of the number of shares or units granted and the grant date market price of the underlying common stock. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded only for those awards expected to vest using an estimated forfeiture rate.

Fair Value Measurements. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles define fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date, and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available. The three-level hierarchy of valuation techniques established to measure fair value is defined as follows:

● Level 1 - Observable Inputs:  Quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;

● Level 2 - Pricing Models with Significant Observable Inputs:  Other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, credit risk, etc.; and

● Level 3 - Unobservable Inputs:  Significant unobservable inputs, including the entity’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments.

Whenever possible, the Company is required to use observable market inputs (Level 1 - quoted market prices) when measuring fair value.

Investments in Marketable Securities. Investments in securities with original maturities of greater than three months and less than one year and other investments representing amounts that are available for current operations are classified as short-term investments, unless there are indications that such investments may not be readily sold in the short term. The fair values of these investments approximate their carrying values. At September 30, 2012, all of Acacia’s short term investments were classified as available-for-sale, which are reported at fair value on a recurring basis using significant observable inputs (Level 1), with related unrealized gains and losses in the value of such securities recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity until realized. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded based on the specific identification method. Interest on all securities is included in interest income. At September 30, 2012, short term investments were comprised of equity investments in the common stock of certain technology companies and investments in highly liquid, AAA, U.S. government fixed income securities with maturity dates ranging from 2012 to 2013.

Short term marketable securities for the periods presented were comprised of the following: (in thousands):

	September 30, 2012
Security Type	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
U.S. government fixed income securities	$	143,002	$	44	$	(354	)	$	142,692
Equity securities of certain technology companies	3,254		757		(56		)	3,955
Total short-term investments	$	146,256	$	801	$	(410	)	$	146,647

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ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

	December 31, 2011
Security Type	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
U.S. government fixed income securities	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Equity securities of certain technology companies	8,427		169		(1,999		)	6,597
Total short-term investments	$	8,427	$	169	$	(1,999	)	$	6,597

Impairment of Marketable Securities. Acacia evaluates its investments in marketable securities for potential impairment, employing a methodology on a quarterly basis that considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence. If the cost or carrying value of an investment exceeds its estimated fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, credit quality of instrument issuers, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold, or plans or ability to sell. Fair value is estimated based on publicly available market information or other estimates determined by management. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is estimated to be other-than-temporary. Acacia reviews impairments associated with its investments in marketable securities and determines the classification of any impairment as temporary or other-than-temporary.   An impairment is deemed other-than-temporary unless (a) Acacia has the ability and intent to hold an investment for a period of time sufficient for recovery of its carrying amount and (b) positive evidence indicating that the investment’s carrying amount is recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs any evidence to the contrary. All available evidence, both positive and negative, is considered to determine whether, based on the weight of such evidence, the carrying amount of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period of time. For investments classified as available-for-sale, unrealized losses that are other-than-temporary are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.  

Patents.  Patents includes the cost of patents or patent rights (hereinafter, collectively “patents”), acquired from third-parties or acquired in connection with business combinations. Patent acquisition costs are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over their remaining economic useful lives, ranging from one to nine years.

Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (December 31 for Acacia) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Acacia considers its market capitalization and the carrying value of its assets and liabilities, including goodwill, when performing its goodwill impairment test. When conducting its annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Company initially performs a qualitative evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. If it is determined by a qualitative evaluation that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the Company then applies a two-step impairment test. The two-step impairment test first compares the fair value of the Company's reporting unit to its carrying or book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company determines the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill and if the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment loss equal to the difference is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.

Acacia uses the management approach, which designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the basis of Acacia’s reportable segments.  Acacia’s intellectual property licensing and enforcement business constitutes its single reportable segment.

Income Taxes.  Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in Acacia’s consolidated financial statements or consolidated tax returns. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if all, or some portion, of such assets will more than likely not be realized.

The provision for income taxes for interim periods is determined using an estimate of Acacia’s annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter, Acacia updates the estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if the estimated tax rate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made.  

As of September 30, 2012, Acacia’s estimated annual effective tax rate is approximately 40%, mainly comprised of U.S. federal and state incomes taxes, foreign withholding taxes and nondeductible permanent expenses. Acacia’s effective tax

8

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 25%. The difference between the effective tax rate and the estimated annual effective tax rate is mainly due to the benefit associated with the release of valuation allowance in the first quarter of 2012 in connection with the acquisition of ADAPTIX, as described below.

Tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included foreign withholding taxes totaling $11,890,000 withheld by the applicable foreign tax authority on revenue agreements executed with third party licensees domiciled in certain foreign jurisdictions. The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 provides for the utilization (subject to certain limitations, if applicable) of the foreign taxes withheld as a credit against income tax expense calculated for financial statement purposes.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the provision for income taxes included foreign withholding taxes totaling $7,586,000. Excluding the impact of foreign withholding taxes, the 2011 annual effective tax rate was estimated to be lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate due primarily to the anticipated utilization of available net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards to reduce U.S. taxable income.  

Tax expense for the periods presented reflects the impact of the calculation of tax expense for financial reporting purposes without the excess tax benefit related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, if a deduction reported on a tax return for an equity-based incentive award exceeds the cumulative compensation cost for such instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes, any resulting realized tax benefit that exceeds the previously calculated and recognized compensation expense for such instruments is considered an excess tax benefit, and is recognized as a credit to additional paid-in capital, not taxes payable. The deduction related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards is available to offset taxable income, if any, on Acacia’s future consolidated tax returns. Accordingly, the noncash tax expense calculated without the benefit related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards totaling $7,554,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was credited to additional paid-in capital, not taxes payable, and therefore does not reflect cash taxes payable. As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, taxes paid or payable totaled approximately $12,300,000, primarily comprised of foreign withholding taxes, as described above, and other state related taxes payable.

At December 31, 2011, Acacia had U.S. federal and state income tax net operating losses (“NOLs”) totaling approximately $69,062,000 and $61,493,000, expiring between 2020 and 2030, and 2015 and 2030, respectively. Utilization of NOLs and credit carryforwards can be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that may have occurred or that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as similar state provisions. 

Release of Valuation Allowance. As of December 31, 2011, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. The net deferred tax liability resulting from the acquisition of ADAPTIX created an additional source of income to utilize against Acacia’s existing consolidated net deferred tax assets. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the impact on the acquiring company’s deferred tax assets is recorded outside of acquisition accounting. In addition, the Company estimated that certain other deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credits and other state related deferreds, totaling approximately $1,900,000, were more likely than not realizable in future periods. Accordingly, the valuation allowance on the majority of Acacia’s net deferred tax assets was released, resulting in an income tax benefit of approximately $10,237,000, recorded as a credit to income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The offsetting amounts reduced net deferred tax liabilities, approximately $8,300,000 of which reduced the net deferred tax liability established in connection with the application of the acquisition method of accounting for the ADAPTIX acquisition. Refer to Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements.

9

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3.  EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Earnings (Loss) Per Share.  Basic income (loss) per share is computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, excluding unvested restricted stock.  Diluted income (loss) per share is computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, including the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding during the periods.  Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents primarily consist of employee stock options, unvested restricted stock, and restricted stock units (“Equity-based Incentive Awards”).

Potentially dilutive common shares from Equity-based Incentive Awards are determined by applying the treasury stock method to the assumed exercise of outstanding employee stock options, and the assumed vesting of outstanding unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units.  The following table presents the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2012	2011
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	48,332,878	41,292,819	46,886,820	39,178,952
Dilutive effect of Equity-based Incentive Awards	—	1,565,061	908,999	1,554,861
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	48,332,878	42,857,880	47,795,819	40,733,813
Anti-dilutive Equity-based Incentive Awards excluded from the computation of diluted income per share	658,445	30,000	575,059	46,560

4.  GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Acacia’s only identifiable intangible assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are patents and patent rights.  Patent-related accumulated amortization totaled $51,762,000 and $36,331,000 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Acacia’s patents and patent rights have remaining estimated economic useful lives ranging from one to nine years.  The weighted-average remaining estimated economic useful life of Acacia’s patents and patent rights is approximately eight years.  The following table presents the scheduled annual aggregate amortization expense as of September 30, 2012 (in thousands):

Remainder of 2012	$	7,572
2013	30,003
2014	29,749
2015	29,273
2016	28,387
Thereafter	101,333
Total	$	226,317

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, Acacia paid patent and patent rights acquisition costs totaling $64,960,000 (excluding the acquisition of ADAPTIX) and $2,805,000, respectively.  The patents and patent rights acquired have estimated economic useful lives of approximately one to eight years. Included in net additions to capitalized patent costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are accrued future patent acquisition costs totaling $8,000,000 and $825,000, respectively, which were incurred pursuant to the terms of the underlying patent acquisition agreements. Accrued future patent acquisition costs are amortized over the estimated economic useful life of the related patents acquired.

Refer to Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements for additions to patents and goodwill in connection with Acacia’s acquisition of ADAPTIX and the related application of the acquisition method of accounting.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, certain operating subsidiaries recovered up-front patent

10

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

portfolio acquisition costs from applicable net licensing proceeds prior to the scheduled amortization of such up-front patent portfolio acquisition costs, resulting in the acceleration of amortization expense for the applicable patent related assets. Accelerated amortization expense related to the recovery of up-front patent acquisition costs totaled $152,000 and $534,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $730,000 and $4,069,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, as provided for in the underlying agreements, certain of Acacia's operating subsidiaries elected to sell or terminate rights to certain patent portfolios, resulting in accelerated amortization expense for the patent related assets totaling $3,023,000 and $101,000, respectively.

5.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Patent Enforcement and Other Litigation

Acacia is subject to claims, counterclaims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business.  Management believes that the ultimate liability with respect to these claims and legal actions, if any, will not have a material effect on Acacia’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Certain of Acacia’s operating subsidiaries are often required to engage in litigation to enforce their patents and patent rights.  In connection with any of Acacia’s operating subsidiaries’ patent enforcement actions, it is possible that a defendant may request and/or a court may rule that an operating subsidiary has violated statutory authority, regulatory authority, federal rules, local court rules, or governing standards relating to the substantive or procedural aspects of such enforcement actions.  In such event, a court may issue monetary sanctions against Acacia or its operating subsidiaries or award attorney’s fees and/or expenses to a defendant(s), which could be material.

6.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND AUCTION RATE SECURITIES

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, Acacia held investment grade auction rate securities with a par value totaling $0 and $2,425,000, respectively, consisting of auction rate investments backed by student loans, which are classified as noncurrent, available-for-sale investments, and reflected at fair value. The fair values of these securities were estimated utilizing an analysis of certain unobservable inputs (Level 3) and by reference to periodic discounted cash flow analyses.  These analyses considered, among other items, the underlying structure of each security, the collateral underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the present value of future principal and contractual interest payments discounted at rates considered to be reflective of current market conditions, consideration of the probabilities of default, continued auction failure, or repurchase or redemption at par for each period, and estimates of the time period over which current liquidity related issues will be resolved.  

All remaining auction rate securities were sold during the three months ended September 30, 2012. The following table presents the auction rate securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the interim periods presented (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Balance as of July 1 and January 1, respectively	$	1,506		$	1,975		$	1,956		$	2,001
Total gains (realized or unrealized):
Recognized gains included in earnings	118			6			118			15
Settlements	(1,624		)	(25		)	(2,074		)	(60		)
Balance as of September 30	$	—		$	1,956		$	—		$	1,956

7. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In February 2012, Acacia raised gross proceeds of $225,000,000 through the sale of 6,122,000 shares of Acacia’s common stock at a price of $36.75 per share in a private placement offering with certain institutional accredited investors. Net proceeds, net of placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses, totaled approximately $218,983,000. Acacia intends to

11

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

use the net proceeds of this private placement to finance pending and future acquisitions of patents and patent royalties and other patent licensing vehicles and companies with patent assets, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In March 2011, Acacia completed a registered public offering of 5,750,000 shares of common stock. The public offering price was $31.50 per share, and the net proceeds to the Company totaled approximately $175,232,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and related offering expenses. Acacia retained broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this sale of common stock, including the use of the net proceeds for operations and for other general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, working capital, strategic acquisitions and other transactions.

8. ACQUISITION

On January 12, 2012 (the “Acquisition Date”), pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 22, 2011 (the “Merger Agreement”) among Acacia Research Group LLC (“ARG”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acacia, Apollo Patent Corp., a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of ARG (“Merger Sub”), ADAPTIX, a Delaware corporation, and Baker Communications Fund II (QP), L.P. solely in its capacity as shareholder representative, ARG completed its acquisition of ADAPTIX, which held no material assets other than its portfolio of patents and $10 million in cash, through a merger of Merger Sub with and into ADAPTIX, with ADAPTIX as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). Upon completion of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub ceased and ADAPTIX became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARG.

ADAPTIX is a pioneer in the development of 4G technologies for wireless systems. With patents filed as early as 2000, ADAPTIX’s research and development efforts have resulted in one of the world’s most significant intellectual property portfolios focused on 4G technologies. With its growing portfolio of 230 issued and pending patents in 13 countries, ADAPTIX’s innovations extend across a broad range of 4G technologies including OFDMA and MIMO.

The Merger is being accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations” (“Topic 805”). Topic 805 requires, among other things, that identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the Acquisition Date. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase consideration is allocated to the assets acquired, including tangible assets, patents and other identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair market values on the date of acquisition. Any excess purchase price after the initial allocation to identifiable net tangible and identifiable intangible assets is assigned to goodwill. Amounts attributable to patents are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful life of the underlying patents.

The total consideration paid by ARG in connection with the Merger was approximately $160 million, paid in cash. Based on the total purchase consideration and the estimate of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed by ARG as of the Acquisition Date, the purchase price allocation was as follows ($ amounts in thousands):

				Amortization Period	Annual Amortization
Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
Fair value of net tangible assets acquired	$	10,000
Intangible assets acquired - patents	150,000			10 years	$	15,000
Goodwill	36,202
Net deferred income tax liability	(36,202		)
Total	$	160,000

Amounts attributable to the patents acquired are being amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated weighted average economic useful life of the underlying patents, which is estimated to be approximately ten years. Goodwill is calculated as the residual after recording the identifiable net assets acquired and associated net deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Management is primarily responsible for determining the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Acquisition Date. Management considered a number of factors, including reference to a preliminary independent analysis of estimated fair values solely for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the assets

12

acquired and liabilities assumed. The analysis included a preliminary discounted cash flow analysis which estimated the future net cash flows expected to result from the licensing and enforcement of the patent portfolio as of the date of acquisition, considering assumptions and estimates related to potential infringers of the patents, applicable industries, usage of the underlying patented technologies, estimated license fee revenues, contingent legal fee arrangements, other estimated costs, tax implications and other factors. A discount rate consistent with the risks associated with achieving the estimated net cash flows was used to estimate the present value of future estimated net cash flows. The Company is in the process of finalizing the estimates and assumptions developed in connection with the independent analysis of estimated fair values solely for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any adjustments to the fair values of intangibles assets acquired, or estimates of economic useful lives of the intangible assets acquired, could impact the carrying value of those assets and related goodwill, as well as the estimates of periodic amortization of intangible assets acquired to be reflected in the statement of operations. In addition, the Company is in the process of finalizing its estimate and analysis of the fair values of certain tax attributes acquired. Any adjustments to the preliminary estimates of tax attributes acquired will increase or decrease the estimated net deferred tax liability recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting, with an offsetting adjustment to goodwill.

The Merger is being treated for tax purposes as a nontaxable transaction and as such, the historical tax bases of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, net operating losses, and other tax attributes of ADAPTIX will carryover. As a result, no new tax goodwill will be created in connection with the Merger as there is no step-up to fair value of the underlying tax bases of the acquired net assets. Acquisition accounting includes the establishment of a net deferred tax asset or liability resulting from book tax basis differences related to assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition. Acquisition date deferred tax assets primarily relate to certain net operating loss carryforwards of ADAPTIX. Acquisition date deferred tax liabilities relate to specifically identified non-goodwill intangibles acquired. The estimated net deferred tax liability was determined as follows ($ amounts in thousands):

	Book Basis		Tax Basis		Difference
Intangible assets acquired - patents	$	150,000	$	—	$	(150,000	)
Estimated net operating loss carryforwards - ADAPTIX	—		46,565		46,565
Net deferred tax liability - pretax					(103,435		)
Estimated tax rate					35		%
Estimated net deferred tax liability					$	(36,202	)

The following unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for the interim period presented are provided for illustrative purposes only and assume the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma combined financial results do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations for future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had the entities been a single entity during these periods. The unaudited pro forma combined results are presented in thousands, except share and per share information.

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenues	$	34,939		$	50,585		$	184,463		$	151,461
Total operating costs and expenses	43,303			42,364			119,348			129,234
Operating income (loss)	(8,364		)	8,221			65,115			22,227
Total other income (expenses)	(41		)	25			117			78
Income (loss) from operations before benefit from (provision for) income taxes	(8,405		)	8,246			65,232			22,305
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	1,938			(1,889		)	(16,303		)	(9,343		)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(6,467		)	6,357			48,929			12,962
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(152		)	257			63			(646		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$	(6,619	)	$	6,614		$	48,992		$	12,316

13

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011		2012		2011
Pro forma income (loss) per common share attributable to Acacia Research Corporation:
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	0.16	$	1.04	$	0.31
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	0.15	$	1.03	$	0.30
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	48,332,878			41,292,819		46,886,820		39,178,952
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	48,332,878			42,857,880		47,795,819		40,733,813

Pro forma adjustments primarily relate to the amortization of identifiable intangible assets acquired over an estimated economic useful life of ten years, historical operating expenses of ADAPTIX for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, and the expensing of acquisition costs incurred by ARG in connection with the Merger.

The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the periods presented herein have been adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. As such, the income tax benefit related to the release of valuation allowance reflected in the statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as described at Note 2, is not reflected in the accompanying unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the periods presented.

9.  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements - Adopted Effective January 1, 2012. In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The new guidance provides an entity the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines that this is the case, it is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit (if any). If an entity determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.    

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income (loss). The new guidance allows an entity to present components of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income (loss), or in two separate, but consecutive statements. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income (loss) and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income (loss), there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income (loss) or other comprehensive income (loss) from that of current accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to defer the presentation on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the components of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) for annual and interim financial statements. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2011, the FASB issued a new accounting standard on fair value measurements that clarifies the application of existing guidance and disclosure requirements, changes certain fair value measurement principles and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is not a complete description of our business or the risks associated with an investment in our common stock. We urge you to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012, as amended on March 28, 2012.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and concern matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Reference is made in particular to the description of our plans and objectives for future operations, assumptions underlying such plans and objectives, and other forward-looking statements set forth under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Such statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue” or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of such terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these terms. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such statements address future events and conditions concerning intellectual property acquisition and development, licensing and enforcement activities, capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, regulatory matters, markets for our services, liquidity and capital resources and accounting matters. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements by reason of factors such as future economic conditions, changes in demand for our services, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments in markets in which we and our subsidiaries operate, results of litigation and other circumstances affecting anticipated revenues and costs. We expressly disclaim any intent, obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to conform such statements to actual results or to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us, which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that affect our business, including without limitation the disclosures made under the captions “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Financial Statements” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and disclosures made under the captions “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Risk Factors” and  “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

General

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Acacia Research Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and/or its wholly and majority-owned and controlled operating subsidiaries. All intellectual property acquisition, development, licensing and enforcement activities are conducted solely by certain of Acacia Research Corporation’s wholly and majority-owned and controlled operating subsidiaries.

Our operating subsidiaries acquire, develop, license and otherwise enforce patented technologies.  Our operating subsidiaries generate revenues and related cash flows from the granting of intellectual property rights for the use of, or pertaining to, patented technologies that our operating subsidiaries own or control.  Our operating subsidiaries assist patent owners with the prosecution and development of their patent portfolios, the protection of their patented inventions from unauthorized use, the generation of revenue from users of their patented technologies and, if necessary, with the enforcement against unauthorized users of their patented technologies.

We are a leader in licensing patented technologies and have established a proven track record of licensing success with over 1,100 license agreements executed to date across 134 of our technology licensing and enforcement programs.  Currently, on a consolidated basis, our operating subsidiaries own or control the rights to over 250 patent portfolios, which include U.S. patents, and certain foreign counterparts covering technologies used in a wide variety of industries.

We were originally incorporated in California in January 1993 and reincorporated in Delaware in December 1999.

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Executive Overview

Our operating activities for the periods presented were principally focused on the continued development, licensing and enforcement of the patent portfolios owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries, including the continued pursuit of our ongoing technology licensing and enforcement programs and the commencement of new technology licensing and enforcement programs.  In addition, we continued our focus on business development, including the acquisition of several additional patent portfolios by certain of our operating subsidiaries and the continued pursuit of additional opportunities to acquire patent portfolios or partner with patent owners and continue our unique intellectual property licensing, development and enforcement activities.

Acquisition. In January 2012, we acquired ADAPTIX, Inc., or ADAPTIX, a pioneer in the development of 4G technologies for wireless systems, for $150 million, net of cash acquired, as described below and at Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements elsewhere herein.

Operating activities during the periods presented included the following:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Revenues and other operating income (in thousands)	$	34,939	$	63,036	$	184,463	$	163,912
New agreements executed	33		24		111		88
Licensing and enforcement programs generating revenues and other operating income	31		22		57		49
Licensing and enforcement programs with initial revenues	9		4		22		17
New patent portfolios	13		8		45		25
Cumulative number of licensing and enforcement programs generating revenues and other operating income - inception to date	134		108		134		108

Our revenues historically have fluctuated quarterly, and can vary significantly, based on a number of factors including the following:

• the dollar amount of agreements executed each period, which can be driven by the nature and characteristics of the technology or technologies being licensed and the magnitude of infringement associated with a specific licensee;

• the specific terms and conditions of agreements executed each period including the nature and characteristics of rights granted, and the periods of infringement or term of use contemplated by the respective payments;

• fluctuations in the total number of agreements executed each period;

• the timing, results and uncertainties associated with patent filings and other enforcement proceedings relating to our intellectual property rights;

• the relative maturity of licensing programs during the applicable periods; and

• other external factors.  

Although revenues from one or more of our patents or patent portfolios may be significant in a specific reporting period, we believe that none of our individual patents or patent portfolios is individually significant to our licensing and enforcement business as a whole.

We measure and assess the performance and growth of the patent licensing and enforcement businesses conducted by our operating subsidiaries based on consolidated revenues (including other operating income) recognized across all of our technology licensing and enforcement programs on a trailing twelve-month basis.  Trailing twelve-month revenues were as follows (in thousands):

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As of Date:	Trailing Twelve -Month Revenues(*)		% Change
September 30, 2012	$	205,258	(12	)%
June 30, 2012	233,355		5	%
March 31, 2012	222,617		21	%
December 31, 2011	184,707		4	%
September 30, 2011	177,014		—	%

______________________________

* Includes “other operating income.”

Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included fees from the following technology licensing and enforcement programs:

•	4G Wireless technology(1)	•	Messaging technology
•	Application Authentication technology(1)(2)	•	Mobile Computer Synchronization technology
•	Audio Communications Fraud Detection technology	•	Network Monitoring technology
•	Bone Graft Harvesting technology(1)(2)	•	NOR Flash technology
•	Camera Support technology	•	Online Ad Tracking technology
•	Consumer Rewards technology(1)	•	Online Auction Guarantee technology
•	Data Compression technology	•	Online Gaming technology(1)(2)
•	DDR SDRAM technology	•	Optical Recording technology
•	Digital Signal Processing Architecture technology	•	Optical Switching technology
•	Disk Array Systems & Storage Area Network technology	•	Pop-up Internet Advertising technology
•	DMT® technology	•	Power Management Within Integrated Circuits technology
•	Document Generation technology	•	Power-over-Ethernet technology
•	Domain Name Redirection technology(1)(2)	•	Rule Based Monitoring technology
•	Dynamic Random Access Memory technology(1)	•	Semiconductor Memory and Process Patents(1)
•	Facilities Operation Management System technology	•	Shape Memory Alloys technology
•	Hearing Aid technology(1)	•	Software Activation technology(1)
•	Impact Instrument technology	•	Surgical Access technology(1)(2)
•	Improved Anti-Trap Safety Technology for Vehicles(1)	•	Suture Anchors technology(1)(2)
•	Improved Lighting technology	•	Targeted Content Delivery technology
•	Improved Memory Manufacturing technology(1)	•	Telematics technology
•	Information Portal Software technology	•	User Programmable Engine Control technology
•	Information Storage, Searching and Retrieval technology(1)	•	Video Delivery and Processing technology(1)
•	Integrated Access technology(1)	•	Video Encoding technology
•	Intraluminal Device technology(1)(2)	•	Videoconferencing technology(1)
•	Lighting Ballast technology	•	Visual Data Evaluation technology
•	Location Based Services technology	•	Voice-Over-IP Technology(1)
•	Medical Image Manipulation technology(1)(2)	•	Website Crawling technology
•	Medical Monitoring technology	•	Wireless Monitoring technology(1)(2)
•	MEMS technology

__________________________________________

(1)	Initial revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
(2)	Initial revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

17

Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included fees or proceeds from, or related to, the following technology licensing and enforcement programs:

•	Audio Communications Fraud Detection technology	•	MEMS technology(1)(2)
•	Camera Support technology	•	Messaging technology(1)
•	Catheter Insertion technology(1)	•	Microprocessor Enhancement technology
•	Computer Architecture and Power Management technology(1)	•	Mobile Computer Synchronization technology
•	Computer Graphics technology	•	Network Remote Access technology
•	Database Retrieval technology(1)	•	NOR Flash technology(1)
•	DDR SDRAM technology(1)	•	Online Auction Guarantee technology
•	Digital Signal Processing Architecture technology	•	Optical Recording technology(1)
•	Digital Video Enhancement technology	•	Optical Switching technology
•	DMT® technology	•	Pop-up Internet Advertising technology
•	Document Generation technology	•	Power Management Within Integrated Circuits technology(1)
•	DRAM Memory architecture technology	•	Power-over-Ethernet technology(1)(2)
•	Electronic Message Advertising technology	•	Rule Based Monitoring technology
•	Facilities Operation Management System technology	•	Semiconductor Manufacture technology(1)(2)
•	High Performance Computer Architecture technology	•	Shape Memory Alloys technology(1)
•	Image Resolution Enhancement technology	•	Short Messaging in Cellular Telephony technology
•	Improved Commercial Print technology	•	Storage technology
•	Improved Lighting technology	•	Targeted Content Delivery technology(1)(2)
•	Interactive Mapping technology	•	Telematics technology
•	Lighting Ballast technology	•	User Programmable Engine Control technology(1)
•	Lighting Control technology(1)	•	Video Encoding technology(1)
•	Location Based Services technology	•	Virtual Server technology
•	Magnetic Storage technology(1)	•	Visual Data Evaluation technology
•	Manufacturing Data Transfer technology	•	Website Crawling technology

__________________________________________

(1)	Initial revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
(2)	Initial revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

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Summary of Results of Operations - Overview

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

(In thousands, except percentage change values)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						%		Nine Months Ended September 30,						%
	2012			2011			Change		2012			2011			Change
Revenues	$	34,939		$	50,585		(31	)%	$	184,463		$	151,461		22	%
Verdict insurance proceeds	—			12,451			(100	)%	—			12,451			(100	)%
Total revenues and other operating income	$	34,939		$	63,036		(45	)%	$	184,463		$	163,912		13	%
Operating costs and expenses	43,303			50,626			(14	)%	118,710			128,706			(8	)%
Operating income (loss)	(8,364		)	12,410			(167	)%	65,753			35,206			87	%
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	1,938			(1,889		)	(203	)%	(16,303		)	(9,343		)	74	%
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	(6,619		)	10,803			(161	)%	49,630			25,295			96	%

Overview - Three months ended September 30, 2012 compared with the three months ended September 30, 2011

• Revenues decreased $28.1 million, or 45%, to $34.9 million, as compared to $63.0 million (including other operating income) in the comparable prior year quarter.

• Other operating income is comprised of verdict insurance proceeds totaling $12.5 million received during the three months ended September 30, 2011, as described under "Consolidated Results of Operations" below.

• Cost of Revenues and Other Operating Expenses:

◦ Inventor royalties and contingent legal fees, including verdict insurance proceeds related costs, on a combined basis, decreased $21.7 million, or 61%, as compared to the 45% decrease in related revenues for the same periods, due primarily to lower inventor royalty rates for the portfolios generating revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2012. In addition, inventor royalties expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 included a credit of $2.6 million related to inventor royalties originally expensed in the second quarter of 2012, which based on certain events occurring in the third quarter of 2012, were no longer payable pursuant to the terms of the underlying agreement.

◦ Verdict insurance proceeds related costs totaled $7.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011, as described under "Consolidated Results of Operations" below.

◦ Litigation and licensing expenses-patents increased $2.5 million, or 71%, to $6.0 million, due primarily to higher net levels of patent prosecution, litigation support, third-party technical consulting and professional expert expenses associated with our investment in new licensing and enforcement programs commenced since September 2011.

◦ Amortization of patents increased $8.5 million, or 435%, to $10.4 million, due primarily to amortization expense related to new patent portfolios acquired since September 30, 2011, totaling $6.1 million. The increase also reflects accelerated amortization totaling $3.0 million, related to the sale of a patent portfolio in the third quarter of 2012. The increase was partially offset by a $578,000 decrease in accelerated patent amortization related to recoupable up-front patent portfolio acquisition costs recovered during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

◦ Marketing, general and administrative expenses increased $3.2 million, or 36%, to $11.9 million, due primarily to an increase in non-cash stock compensation charges resulting from an increase in the average grant date fair value of restricted shares expensed during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

◦ We recorded an income tax benefit of $1.9 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as

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compared to income tax expense of $1.9 million for the comparable prior year quarter. Refer to “Comparison of Results of Operations” below for additional information.

Overview - Nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2011

• Revenues increased $20.6 million, or 13%, to $184.5 million, as compared to $163.9 million (including other operating income) in the comparable prior year period.

• Other operating income was comprised of verdict insurance proceeds totaling $12.5 million received during the three months ended September 30, 2011, as described under "Consolidated Results of Operations" below.

• Cost of Revenues and Other Operating Expenses:

◦ Inventor royalties and contingent legal fees, including verdict insurance proceeds related costs, on a combined basis, decreased $38.3 million, or 48%, as compared to the 13% increase in related revenues for the same periods, due primarily to a greater percentage of revenues generated during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 having no inventor royalty or contingent legal fee arrangement obligations.

◦ Verdict insurance proceeds related costs totaled $7.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011, as described under "Consolidated Results of Operations" below.

◦ Litigation and licensing expenses-patents increased $3.8 million, or 35%, to $14.6 million, due primarily to higher net levels of patent prosecution, litigation support, third-party technical consulting and professional expert expenses associated with our investment in new licensing and enforcement programs commenced since September 2011.

◦ Amortization increased $12.6 million, or 152%, to $20.9 million, due primarily to amortization expense related to new patent portfolios acquired since September 30, 2011, totaling $12.4 million. The increase also reflects accelerated amortization totaling $3.0 million, related to the sale of a patent portfolio in the third quarter of 2012. The increase was partially offset by a $3.5 million decrease in accelerated patent amortization related to recoupable up-front patent portfolio acquisition costs recovered during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

◦ Marketing, general and administrative expenses increased $10.5 million, or 39%, to $37.5 million, due primarily to an increase in non-cash stock compensation charges resulting from an increase in the average grant date fair value of restricted shares expensed during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, a net increase in licensing, business development, and engineering personnel since September 2011, an increase in variable performance-based compensation costs and a net increase in corporate general and administrative costs.

◦ Research, consulting and other expenses-business development increased $1.3 million, or 46%, to $4.2 million, due primarily to a net increase in third-party research, consulting and other due diligence related costs incurred in connection with the identification, review, and assessment of patent portfolio acquisition opportunities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

◦ Provision for income taxes increased $7.0 million, or 74%, to $16.3 million. Tax expense for financial reporting purposes for the periods presented was calculated without the excess tax benefits related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards. Accordingly, $7.6 million of non-cash tax expense was credited to additional-paid-in-capital, not taxes payable. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 25%, reflecting the impact of the income tax benefit associated with the release of valuation allowance primarily resulting from the ADAPTIX acquisition, as described at Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements elsewhere herein. Refer to “Comparison of Results of Operations” below for additional information.

Acquisition of ADAPTIX, Inc.

On January 12, 2012, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 22, 2011 among Acacia Research Group LLC, or ARG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acacia Research Corporation, Apollo Patent Corp., a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of ARG, or Merger Sub, ADAPTIX and Baker Communications Fund

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II (QP), L.P., solely in its capacity as shareholder representative, ARG completed its acquisition of ADAPTIX, which held no material assets other than its portfolio of patents and $10 million in cash, through a merger of Merger Sub with and into ADAPTIX, with ADAPTIX as the surviving corporation. Upon completion of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub ceased and ADAPTIX became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARG. The total consideration paid by ARG in connection with the merger was approximately $160 million, paid in cash.

ADAPTIX, a pioneer in the development of 4G technologies for wireless systems, is an award-winning technology company long recognized in the industry as one of the first developers of cutting edge 4G wireless systems. With patents filed as early as 2000, ADAPTIX’s research and development efforts have resulted in one of the world’s most significant intellectual property portfolios focused on 4G technologies. With its rapidly growing portfolio of 230 issued and pending patents in 13 countries, ADAPTIX’s innovations extend across a broad range of 4G technologies including OFDMA and MIMO.

Investments in Patent Portfolios

We also measure and assess the performance and growth of the patent licensing and enforcement businesses conducted by our operating subsidiaries based on the number of patent portfolios owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.  As of September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011, and September 30, 2011, on a consolidated basis, our operating subsidiaries owned or controlled the rights to approximately 250, 200 and 192 patent portfolios, respectively, which include U.S. patents and certain foreign counterparts, covering technologies used in a wide variety of industries.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, certain of our operating subsidiaries continued to execute their business strategy in the area of patent portfolio acquisitions, including the acquisition of, or the acquisition of the rights to, 45 patent portfolios (of which 13 patent portfolios were acquired during the three months ended September 30, 2012) covering a variety of applications, including the following:

• In July 2012, acquired a patent for intraluminal device technology.

• In August 2012, acquired rights to patents for 360 degree view technology.

• In September 2012, acquired a patent for stent graft technology.

• In September 2012, acquired 23 patents covering gas heating and cooling control systems. The acquisition includes an ongoing royalty stream with a major manufacturer.

• In September 2012, acquired patents covering Product Lifecycle Management (“PLM”) technology.

• In September 2012, acquired patents for radio frequency modulation technology used in mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops from a major technology company.

• In September 2012, acquired 7 patent portfolios with over 1,900 patents and applications relating to stent grafts, vascular grafts, bypass grafts, graft retrieval technology, graft manufacturing technology, vena cava filter technology and filter retrieval technology from a leading global medical device company.

Refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for information regarding the impact of patent and patent rights acquisitions on the consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.

As of September 30, 2012, certain of our operating subsidiaries had several option agreements with third-party patent portfolio owners regarding the potential acquisition of additional patent portfolios.  Future patent portfolio acquisitions will continue to expand and diversify our future revenue generating opportunities.

Other

In February 2012, we raised net proceeds of $219.0 million through the sale of 6,122,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $36.75 per share in a private placement offering with certain institutional accredited investors. In March 2011, we completed a registered public offering of 5,750,000 shares of our common stock. The public offering price was $31.50 per share, and the net proceeds to the Company totaled approximately $175.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and related offering expenses. Refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for more information regarding these offerings.

Enforcement Considerations

The pursuit of enforcement actions in connection with our licensing and enforcement programs can involve certain risks and uncertainties, including the following:

• Increases in patent-related legal expenses, including, but not limited to, increases in costs billed by outside legal counsel for discovery, depositions, economic analyses, damages assessments, expert witnesses and other

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consultants, case-related audio/video presentations and other litigation support and administrative costs, could increase our operating costs and decrease our revenue generating opportunities;

• Our patented technologies and enforcement actions are complex, and, as a result, we may be required to appeal adverse decisions by trial courts in order to successfully enforce our patents;

• New legislation, regulations or rules related to enforcement actions could significantly increase our operating costs and decrease our revenue generating opportunities; and

• Courts may rule that our subsidiaries have violated certain statutory, regulatory, federal, local or governing rules or standards by pursuing such enforcement actions, which may expose us and our operating subsidiaries to material liabilities, which could harm our operating results and our financial position.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparation of these consolidated statements requires management to make judgments and estimates. Some accounting policies have a significant impact on amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements. A summary of significant accounting policies and a description of accounting policies that are considered critical may be found in the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  In addition to the information below, refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Accounting for Business Combinations - Acquisition Method of Accounting

Acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting under FASB ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations,” or Topic 805. Topic 805 requires, among other things, that identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase consideration is allocated to the assets acquired, including tangible assets, patents and other identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair market values on the date of acquisition. Any excess purchase price after the initial allocation to identifiable net tangible and identifiable intangible assets is assigned to goodwill. Amounts attributable to patents are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful life of the underlying patents. Acquisition accounting includes the establishment of a net deferred tax asset or liability resulting from book tax basis differences related to assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition.

We assess fair value for financial statement purposes using a variety of methods, including the use of present value models and independent appraisers. Amounts recorded as intangible assets, including patents and patent rights, are based on assumptions and estimates regarding the amount and timing of projected revenues and costs associated with the licensing and enforcement of patents and patent rights acquired, appropriate risk-adjusted discount rates, rates of technology adoption, market penetration, technological obsolescence, product launch timing, the impact of competition or lack of competition in the market place, tax implications and other factors. Also, upon acquisition, based on several of the estimates and assumptions previously described, we determine the estimated economic useful lives of the acquired intangible assets for amortization purposes.

Management is primarily responsible for determining the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Fair value measurements can be highly subjective, and it is possible that other professionals, applying reasonable judgment to the same facts and circumstances, could develop and support a range of alternative estimated amounts. Actual results may vary from projected results.

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Consolidated Results of Operations

Comparison of the Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2012 and 2011

Revenues and Other Operating Income

	Three Months Ended September 30,				$			%		Nine Months Ended September 30,				$			%
	2012		2011		Change			Change		2012		2011		Change			Change
	(in thousands, except percentage change values)
Revenues	$	34,939	$	50,585	$	(15,646	)	(31	)%	$	184,463	$	151,461	$	33,002		22	%
Verdict insurance proceeds	—		12,451		(12,451		)	(100	)%	—		12,451		(12,451		)	(100	)%
	$	34,939	$	63,036	$	(28,097	)	(45	)%	$	184,463	$	163,912	$	20,551		13	%

Revenues.  In general, revenue arrangements provide for the payment of contractually determined fees in consideration for the grant of certain intellectual property rights for patented technologies owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries.  These rights typically include some combination of the following: (i) the grant of a non-exclusive, retroactive and future license to manufacture and/or sell products covered by patented technologies owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries, (ii) covenants-not-to-sue, (iii) the release of the licensee from certain claims, and (iv) the dismissal of any pending litigation. Revenue related information for the periods presented is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011		2012	2011
New agreements executed	33		24		111	88
Average revenue per agreement (in thousands)	$	1,059	$	2,108	1,662	$	1,721

A summary of the main drivers of the change in revenues for the periods presented, is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012 vs. 2011			2012 vs. 2011
	(in thousands)
Increase in number of agreements executed	$	9,529		$	38,222
Decrease in average revenue per agreement executed	(25,175		)	(5,220		)
Total change in revenues	$	(15,646	)	$	33,002

Five licensees individually accounted for 30%, 13%, 10%, 10% and 10% of revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012, and four licensees individually accounted for 29%, 20%, 11% and 10% of revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Two licensees individually accounted for 59% and 26% of revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2011, and three licensees individually accounted for 30%, 20% and 16% of revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. On a consolidated basis, as of September 30, 2012, 134 of our licensing programs had begun generating revenues and other operating income, up from 112 as of December 31, 2011, and 108 as of September 30, 2011.

Other Operating Income - Verdict Insurance Proceeds. Creative Internet Advertising Corporation, or CIAC, an operating subsidiary of Acacia Research Corporation, received a $12.5 million final judgment stemming from its May 2009 trial verdict and corresponding damages award in its patent infringement lawsuit with Yahoo! Inc. Yahoo! Inc. appealed the verdict, and in April 2011, a three Judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed the District Court's judgment of infringement in a 2 to 1 decision. As a result of the reversal of the District Court's judgment, in September 2011, CIAC submitted a claim under a specific contingency insurance policy previously purchased and received $12.5 million in verdict insurance proceeds.

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Cost of Revenues and Other Operating Income

	Three Months Ended September 30,				$			%		Nine Months Ended September 30,				$			%
	2012		2011		Change			Change		2012		2011		Change			Change
	(in thousands, except percentage change values)
Inventor royalties*	$	5,032	$	18,479	$	(13,447	)	(73	)%	$	22,199	$	40,156	$	(17,957	)	(45	)%
Contingent legal fees*	8,833		16,294		(7,461		)	(46	)%	19,188		38,700		(19,512		)	(50	)%
Other verdict insurance related costs	—		808		(808		)	(100	)%	—		808		(808		)	(100	)%
Total	$	13,865	$	35,581	$	(21,716	)			$	41,387	$	79,664	$	(38,277	)

_________________

* Includes inventor royalties and contingent legal fees associated with the verdict insurance policy and related proceeds received, as described below.

Inventor Royalties and Contingent Legal Fees Expense.  The economic terms of the inventor agreements, operating agreements and contingent legal fee arrangements associated with the patent portfolios owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries, if any, including royalty rates, contingent fee rates and other terms, vary across the patent portfolios owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries.  As such, these costs fluctuate period to period, based on the amount of revenues and other operating income recognized each period, the terms and conditions of agreements executed each period and the mix of specific patent portfolios with varying economic terms and obligations generating revenues each period.

Verdict Insurance Proceeds Related Costs.Verdict insurance proceeds related costs include $2.9 million of inventor royalties, $4.0 million of contingent legal fees and $808,000 in other costs associated with the verdict insurance policy and related proceeds received, as described above.

A summary of the main drivers of the change in inventor royalties expense and contingent legal fees expense for the interim periods presented, is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,			% of Prior Period Balance		Nine Months Ended September 30,			% of Prior Period Balance
	2012 vs. 2011					2012 vs. 2011
	(in thousands, except percentage change values)
(Decrease) increase in inventor royalty rates	$	(2,690	)	(15	)%	$	3,624		9	%
(Decrease) increase in total revenues	(8,797		)	(47	)%	5,500			14	%
Decrease (increase) in revenues without inventor royalty obligations	640			3	%	(24,481		)	(61	)%
Other*	(2,600		)	(14	)%	(2,600		)	(6	)%
Total change in inventor royalties expense	$	(13,447	)	(73	)%	$	(17,957	)	(45	)%

_________________

* Inventor royalties expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, included a credit of $2.6 million related to inventor royalties originally expensed in the second quarter of 2012, which based on certain events occurring in the third quarter of 2012, were no longer payable pursuant to the terms of the underlying agreement.

	Three Months Ended September 30,			% of Prior Period Balance		Nine Months Ended September 30,			% of Prior Period Balance
	2012 vs. 2011					2012 vs. 2011
	(in thousands, except percentage change values)
(Decrease) in contingent legal fee rates	$	(232	)	(1	)%	$	(678	)	(2	)%
(Decrease) increase in total revenues	(7,290		)	(45	)%	4,886			13	%
Decrease (increase) in revenues without contingent legal fee obligations	61			—	%	(23,720		)	(61	)%
Total change in contingent legal fees	$	(7,461	)	(46	)%	$	(19,512	)	(50	)%

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	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Litigation and licensing expenses - patents	$	5,973	$	3,501	$	14,622	$	10,800
Amortization of patents	10,412		1,946		20,931		8,318

Litigation and Licensing Expenses - Patents.  Litigation and licensing expenses-patents include patent-related prosecution and enforcement costs incurred by outside patent attorneys engaged on an hourly basis and the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by law firms engaged on a contingent fee basis.  Litigation and licensing expenses-patents also includes licensing and enforcement related third-party patent research, development, consulting, and other costs incurred in connection with the licensing and enforcement of patent portfolios.  Litigation and licensing expenses-patents fluctuate from period to period based on patent enforcement and prosecution activity associated with ongoing licensing and enforcement programs and the timing of the commencement of new licensing and enforcement programs in each period.  

Litigation and licensing expenses-patents increased for the three and nine month periods presented due primarily to higher net levels of patent prosecution, litigation support, third-party technical consulting and professional expert expenses associated with our investment in new licensing and enforcement programs commenced since the end of the prior year period. We expect patent-related legal expenses to continue to fluctuate period to period based on the factors summarized above, in connection with upcoming scheduled and/or anticipated trial dates and our current and future patent acquisition, development, licensing and enforcement activities.

Amortization of Patents.  The increase for the periods presented was due primarily to amortization expense related to new patent portfolios acquired since September 30, 2011, totaling $6.1 million and $12.4 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, comprised primarily of non-cash patent amortization expense related to the patents acquired in connection with our acquisition of ADAPTIX in the first quarter of 2012, totaling $3.8 million and $10.8 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The increase also reflects accelerated amortization totaling $3.0 million, related to the sale of a patent portfolio in the third quarter of 2012. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in accelerated patent amortization related to recoupable up-front patent portfolio acquisition costs that were recovered from related net licensing proceeds during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. Accelerated amortization expense related to the recovery of up-front patent acquisition costs totaled $152,000 and $534,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $730,000 and $4.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.

Operating Expenses (in thousands)

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Marketing, general and administrative expenses	$	5,629	$	5,180	$	20,173	$	17,140
Non-cash stock compensation expense included in marketing, general and administrative expense	6,285		3,568		17,375		9,891
Total marketing, general and administrative expenses	$	11,914	$	8,748	$	37,548	$	27,031

Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses.  Marketing, general and administrative expenses include employee compensation and related personnel costs, including non-cash stock compensation expenses, office and facilities costs, legal and accounting professional fees, public relations, marketing, stock administration, gross receipts based state taxes and other corporate costs.  A summary of the main drivers of the change in marketing, general and administrative expenses, including the impact of non-cash stock compensation charges, for the periods presented, is as follows:

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	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012 vs. 2011			2012 vs. 2011
	(in thousands)
Addition of business development, engineering and other personnel costs	$	412		$	1,648
(Decrease) increase in variable performance-based compensation costs	(269		)	441
Corporate, general and administrative costs	306			944
Non-cash stock compensation expense	2,717			7,484
Total change in marketing, general and administrative expenses	$	3,166		$	10,517

Income Taxes

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes (in thousands)	$	1,938		$	(1,889	)	$	(16,303	)	$	(9,343	)
Effective tax rate	23		%	15		%	25		%	26		%

Benefit from (Provision for) Income Taxes. Our estimated annual effective tax rate, excluding the impact of discrete items primarily related to the release of valuation allowance described below, was approximately 40% and 26% as of September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 included the impact of the following:

• Noncash tax expense calculated without the excess tax benefit related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards, totaling approximately $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, which was credited to additional paid-in capital, not taxes payable, and other state related taxes. For financial reporting purposes, tax expense is calculated without the excess tax benefit related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, if a deduction reported on a tax return for an equity-based incentive award exceeds the cumulative compensation cost for those instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes, any resulting realized tax benefit that exceeds the previously calculated and recognized compensation expense for those instruments is considered an excess tax benefit, and is recognized as a credit to additional paid-in capital, not taxes payable, as the expense does not reflect cash taxes payable. The deductions related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards is available to offset taxable income on our consolidated tax returns.

• Foreign withholding taxes, totaling $11.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, withheld by the applicable foreign tax authority on revenue agreements executed with third party licensees domiciled in certain foreign jurisdictions. The tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 provides for the utilization of a substantial portion of the $11.9 million in foreign taxes withheld as a credit against income tax expense calculated for financial statement purposes.

• As of December 31, 2011, we maintained a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. The net deferred tax liability resulting from the acquisition of ADAPTIX created an additional source of income to utilize against the majority of our existing consolidated net deferred tax assets. In addition, we estimated that certain other deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credits and other state related deferreds, totaling approximately $1.9 million, were more likely than not realizable in future periods. Accordingly, the valuation allowance on the majority of our net deferred tax assets was released, resulting in a first quarter 2012 financial statement income tax benefit of approximately $10.2 million. The offsetting amounts reduced net deferred tax liabilities, $8.3 million of which decreased the net deferred tax liability established in connection with the application of the acquisition method of accounting for the ADAPTIX acquisition.

Tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 primarily relates to foreign taxes withheld totaling $7.6 million and other state taxes.

As of September 30, 2012, taxes paid or payable totaled approximately $12.3 million, primarily comprised of $11.9

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million of foreign withholding taxes withheld by the applicable foreign tax authority on revenue agreements executed with third party licensees domiciled in certain foreign jurisdictions, and other state related taxes payable.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash, cash equivalents and investments on hand generated from our operating activities and proceeds from recent equity financings. Refer to "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" below for information regarding recent equity financings. We retained broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from the offerings and intend to use the net proceeds for operations and for other general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, working capital, strategic acquisitions and other transactions.

Our management believes that our cash and cash equivalent balances, investments, anticipated cash flow from operations, and other external sources of available credit, will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements through at least November 2013 and for the foreseeable future. We may, however, encounter unforeseen difficulties that may deplete our capital resources more rapidly than anticipated, including those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Any efforts to seek additional funding could be made through issuances of equity or debt, or other external financing.  However, additional funding may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. The capital and credit markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption since late 2007, and the volatility and impact of the disruption has continued into 2012.  At times during this period, the volatility and disruption has reached unprecedented levels. In several cases, the markets have exerted downward pressure on stock prices and credit capacity for certain issuers, and there can be no assurance that the commercial paper markets will be a reliable source of short-term financing for us.

Cash and Investments

Our consolidated cash and cash equivalents and investments totaled $410.8 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $323.3 million at December 31, 2011.  The net change in cash and cash equivalents for the periods presented was comprised of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	70,230		$	44,139
Investing activities	(351,151		)	(11,344		)
Financing activities	230,339			175,353

Cash Flows from Operating Activities.  Cash receipts from licensees for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased to $170.7 million, from $139.5 million in the comparable 2011 period, primarily reflecting the net increase in revenues for the same periods, as discussed above.  Cash outflows from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased slightly to $93.0 million, as compared to $93.6 million in the comparable 2011 period, due to the net impact of the decrease in inventor royalties and contingent legal fees expense for the year-to-date periods presented, which was partially offset by the net increase in operating expenses and foreign withholding taxes, as discussed above, and the net impact of the timing of receipts from licensees, and payments to inventors, attorneys and other vendors for the same periods.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included cash consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of ADAPTIX, totaling $150.0 million (net of cash acquired), and patent-related acquisition costs totaling $65.0 million, as compared to $2.8 million in patent-related acquisition costs in the comparable 2011 period. Purchases of short term investments totaled $305.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to $8.4 million in the comparable 2011 period. Sales and maturities of short term investments totaled $169.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to $60,000 in the comparable 2011 period.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities.  Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included net proceeds from the sale of our common stock totaling $219.0 million, proceeds from exercises of stock options totaling $274,000, $3.8 million in capital contributions from non-controlling interests, and $312,000 in distributions to noncontrolling interests. Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included net proceeds from the sale of our common stock totaling $175.2 million, proceeds from exercises of stock

27

options totaling $411,000, $877,000 in capital contributions from non-controlling interests and $2.9 million in distributions to noncontrolling interests.

 Working Capital

Working capital at September 30, 2012 increased to $392.6 million, compared to $294.9 million at December 31, 2011. Consolidated accounts receivable from licensees increased to $16.6 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $2.9 million at December 31, 2011. Consolidated royalties and contingent legal fees payable decreased to $21.5 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $23.5 million at December 31, 2011.  

The majority of accounts receivable from licensees at September 30, 2012 were collected or scheduled to be collected in the fourth quarter of 2012, in accordance with the terms of the related underlying agreements.  The majority of royalties and contingent legal fees payable are scheduled to be paid in the fourth quarter of 2012 or the first quarter of 2013, subsequent to receipt by us of the related fee payments from licensees, in accordance with the underlying contractual arrangements. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not entered into off-balance sheet financing arrangements, other than operating leases.  We have no significant commitments for capital expenditures in 2012.  We have no committed lines of credit or other committed funding or long-term debt. The following table lists our known contractual obligations and future cash commitments as of September 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Payments Due by Period (In thousands)
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Operating leases	$	5,334	$	187	$	2,132	$	1,874	$	1,141
Scheduled patent acquisition related payments	8,500		8,000		250		250		—
Total contractual obligations	$	13,834	$	8,187	$	2,382	$	2,124	$	1,141

As of September 30, 2012, the liability for uncertain tax positions, associated primarily with state income taxes, was $86,000, none of which is expected to be paid within one year. The liability for uncertain tax positions is recorded in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets included in this report.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while concurrently maximizing the income we receive from our investments without significantly increasing risk. In addition, we sometimes invest in marketable equity securities for strategic purposes related to our patent monetization-based businesses. Some of the securities that we invest in may be subject to interest rate risk and/or market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates, with respect to interest rate risk, or a change in the value of the United States equity markets, with respect to market risk, may cause the principal amount or market value of the investments to fluctuate. For example, if we hold a security that was issued with a fixed interest rate at the then-prevailing rate and the prevailing interest rate later rises, the current value of the principal amount of our investment may decline. To minimize these risks in the future, we intend to maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents and short-term investments in a variety of securities, including commercial paper, money market funds, high-grade corporate bonds, U.S. government and non-government debt securities and certificates of deposit. However, to the extent that our marketable equity securities have strategic value, we typically do not attempt to reduce or eliminate market risk with respect to such securities through hedging activities.

At September 30, 2012, our investments were comprised of AAA rated money market funds that invest in first-tier only securities, which primarily include domestic commercial paper, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, U.S. bank obligations, fully collateralized repurchase agreements (included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets), direct investments in highly liquid, AAA, U.S. government securities, and

28

strategic investments in marketable equity securities (included in short term investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2012).

In general, money market funds are not subject to market risk because the interest paid on such funds fluctuates with the prevailing interest rate. Accordingly, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates or a 10% decline in the value of the United States equity markets would not be expected to have a material impact on the value of such money market funds. Investments in U.S. government fixed income securities are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value if interest rates increase. However, due to the relatively short duration of our investment portfolio, an immediate 10% change in interest rates would have no material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Declines in interest rates over time will, however, reduce our interest income. Marketable equity securities are subject to increased market risk sensitivity, but are not directly impacted by interest rate risk. To determine reasonably possible decreases in the value of our marketable equity investments, we analyzed the expected market price sensitivity of our marketable equity investment portfolio. Assuming a loss of 10% in the value of the United States equity markets, the aggregate value of our marketable equity investments could decrease by approximately 14%.

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter (the quarter ended September 30, 2012) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

29

PART II--OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

On September 28, 2012, we issued 24,626 unregistered shares of our common stock to a new employee as an inducement grant in connection with his employment. Such shares were issued without registration in reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based in part upon the following: the issuance does not involve any public offering; we made no solicitation in connection with the transaction, other than communication with the employee; the employee made representations to us regarding his investment intent, experience and sophistication; the employee received or had access to adequate information about us in order to make an informed investment decision; and we reasonably believe that the employee is sophisticated within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the Act.

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Subsequent to our third quarter 2012 earnings press release and 8-K filed with the SEC on October 18, 2012, the Company received revised third quarter expense estimates from third-parties and recorded additional third quarter 2012 accrued expenses, net of tax benefit, with the following impact on the preliminary net loss and loss per share previously announced (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2012			September 30, 2012
Preliminary net loss, initially reported	$	(6,402	)	$	49,847
Additional accrued expenses, net of tax benefit	(217		)	(217		)
Adjusted net loss, as reported on Form 10-Q	$	(6,619	)	$	49,630
Preliminary diluted loss per share, as reported	$	(0.13	)	$	1.04
Adjusted loss per share, as reported on Form 10-Q*	$	(0.14	)	$	1.04

__________________

*Reflects $0.004 change in loss per share initially announced.

Item 6.  EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT NUMBER	EXHIBIT
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101	Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T.*

*Furnished herewith

30

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

/s/  Paul R. Ryan

By: Paul R. Ryan

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer and Duly Authorized Signatory)

/s/  Clayton J. Haynes  

By: Clayton J. Haynes

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Date:     November 8, 2012

31

EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT NUMBER	EXHIBIT
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101	Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T.*

*Furnished herewith

32

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Paul R. Ryan, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Acacia Research Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: November 8, 2012	/s/ Paul R. Ryan
	Paul R. Ryan Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Clayton J. Haynes, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Acacia Research Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: November 8, 2012	/s/ Clayton J. Haynes
	Clayton J. Haynes Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Acacia Research Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2012 (the “Report”), I, Paul R. Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 780(d)); and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

By: /s/ Paul R. Ryan                                     

Paul R. Ryan

Chief Executive Officer

November 8, 2012

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.  This certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Acacia Research Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2012 (the “Report”), I, Clayton J. Haynes, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 780(d)); and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

By: /s/ Clayton J. Haynes                                   

Clayton J. Haynes

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

November 8, 2012

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.  This certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.

XML

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 21, 2012	Mar. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from the issuance of common stock	$ 225,000,000
Stock issued during period	6,122,000	5,750,000
Sale of stock, price per share	$ 36.75	$ 31.50
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of issuance costs	$ 218,983,000		$ 218,983,000	$ 175,232,000

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated annual effective tax rate	40.00%
Effective tax rate	25.00%
Foreign withholding taxes	$ 11,890,000	$ 7,586,000
U.S. federal statutory rate		35.00%
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	7,554,000	1,730,000
Cash paid for income taxes	12,300,000
Operating loss carryforwards, federal			69,062,000
Operating loss carryforwards, state			61,493,000
Business acquisition deferred tax asset	1,900,000
Income tax benefit from release of valuation allowance	10,237,000	0
Change in deferred tax liability, business acquisition	$ 8,300,000
Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vesting period of equity awards	2 years
Useful life of patents and patent rights	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vesting period of equity awards	4 years
Useful life of patents and patent rights	9 years

XML

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Description of Business. As used herein, “Acacia” and the “Company” refer to Acacia Research Corporation and/or its wholly and majority-owned and controlled operating subsidiaries.  All intellectual property acquisition, development, licensing and enforcement activities are conducted solely by certain of Acacia’s wholly and majority-owned and controlled operating subsidiaries.

Acacia’s operating subsidiaries acquire, develop, license and otherwise enforce patented technologies.  Acacia’s operating subsidiaries generate revenues and related cash flows from the granting of intellectual property rights for the use of, or pertaining to, patented technologies that such operating subsidiaries own or control.  Acacia’s operating subsidiaries assist patent owners with the prosecution and development of their patent portfolios, the protection of their patented technologies from unauthorized use, the generation of revenue from users of their patented technologies and, if necessary, the enforcement against unauthorized users of their patented technologies. Currently, on a consolidated basis, Acacia’s operating subsidiaries own or control the rights to over 250 patent portfolios, which include U.S. patents and certain foreign counterparts, covering technologies used in a wide variety of industries.

In January 2012, a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Acacia acquired ADAPTIX, Inc. (“ADAPTIX”), a pioneer in the development of 4G technologies for wireless systems, for cash consideration of $160 million, as described at Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Acacia and its wholly and majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Noncontrolling interests in Acacia’s majority-owned and controlled operating subsidiaries (“noncontrolling interests”) are separately presented as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated statements of financial position for the applicable periods presented. Consolidated net income (loss) is adjusted to include the net (income) loss attributed to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations. Refer to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for total noncontrolling interests, net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and contributions from and distributions to noncontrolling interests, for the applicable periods presented.

In August 2010, a wholly owned subsidiary of Acacia became the general partner of the Acacia Intellectual Property Fund, L.P. (the “Acacia IP Fund”), which was formed in August 2010. The Acacia IP Fund is authorized to raise up to $250 million. The Acacia IP Fund acquires, licenses and enforces intellectual property consisting primarily of patents, patent rights, and patented technologies. The Acacia IP Fund is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the periods presented, as Acacia’s wholly owned subsidiary, as the majority owner and general partner, has the ability to control the operations and activities of the Acacia IP Fund.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed in accordance with quarterly reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2011, as reported by Acacia in its Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The consolidated financial statements of Acacia include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of Acacia’s financial position as of September 30, 2012, and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented.  The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.

XML

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Patents, accumulated amortization	$ 51,762,000		$ 51,762,000		$ 36,331,000
Weighted average useful life of patents and patent rights			8 years
Patent acquisition costs paid			64,960,000	2,805,000
Accrued patent acquisition related payments	8,000,000	825,000	8,000,000	825,000
Accelerated amortization expense - up-front payments	152,000	730,000	534,000	4,069,000
Accelerated amortization expense (termination)			$ 3,023,000	$ 101,000
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of patents and patent rights			1 year
Finite lived intangible asset acquired during the year, useful life			1 year
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of patents and patent rights			9 years
Finite lived intangible asset acquired during the year, useful life			8 years

XML

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	48,332,878	41,292,819	46,886,820	39,178,952
Dilutive effect of Equity-based Incentive Awards	0	1,565,061	908,999	1,554,861
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	48,332,878	42,857,880	47,795,819	40,733,813
Anti-dilutive Equity-based Incentive Awards excluded from the computation of diluted income per share	658,445	30,000	575,059	46,560

XML

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
For the remainder of 2012	$ 7,572
2013	30,003
2014	29,749
2015	29,273
2016	28,387
Thereafter	101,333
Total expected amortization expense	$ 226,317

XML

Fair Value Measurements and Auction Rate Securities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Auction Rate Securities [Line Items]
Auction rate securities par value	$ 0	$ 2,425,000
Other than temporary impairment losses, investments	$ 0	$ 469,000

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Statement (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	$ 49,567,000	$ 25,941,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	21,034,000	8,393,000
Non-cash stock compensation	17,375,000	9,891,000
Change in valuation allowance	(10,237,000)	0
Other	490,000	(15,000)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(13,720,000)	(24,573,000)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,485,000)	949,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses / costs	2,690,000	(737,000)
Royalties and contingent legal fees payable	(2,030,000)	24,290,000
Deferred income tax	(6,546,000)	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	70,230,000	44,139,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(200,000)	(172,000)
Purchase of available-for-sale investments	(305,007,000)	(8,427,000)
Maturities and sale of available-for-sale investments	169,016,000	60,000
Purchase of ADAPTIX, Inc., net of cash acquired	(150,000,000)	0
Patent acquisition costs	(64,960,000)	(2,805,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(351,151,000)	(11,344,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of issuance costs	218,983,000	175,232,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiary	(312,000)	(2,897,000)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiary	3,840,000	877,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	7,554,000	1,730,000
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	274,000	411,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	230,339,000	175,353,000
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(50,582,000)	208,148,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning	314,733,000	102,515,000
Cash and cash equivalents, ending	$ 264,151,000	$ 310,663,000

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Fair Value Measurements and Auction Rate Securities Level 3 Reconciliation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance as of	$ 1,506	$ 1,975	$ 1,956	$ 2,001
Total gains (realized or unrealized):
Recognized gains included in earnings (1)	118	6	118	15
Settlements	(1,624)	(25)	(2,074)	(60)
Balance as of	$ 0	$ 1,956	$ 0	$ 1,956

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 264,151	$ 314,733
Short-term investments	146,647	6,597
Accounts receivable	16,635	2,915
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,045	803
Total current assets	430,478	325,048
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	317	220
Patents, net of accumulated amortization	226,317	25,188
Goodwill	36,217	0
Investments - noncurrent	0	1,956
Other assets	417	465
Total assets	693,746	352,877
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses / costs	16,388	6,625
Royalties and contingent legal fees payable	21,478	23,508
Total current liabilities	37,866	30,133
Deferred income taxes	33,616	0
Other liabilities	659	632
Total liabilities	72,141	30,765
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 49,770,624 and 42,928,001 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	50	43
Additional paid-in capital	631,000	386,821
Accumulated comprehensive income (loss)	382	(1,830)
Accumulated deficit	(15,455)	(65,085)
Total Acacia Research Corporation stockholders' equity	615,977	319,949
Noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	5,628	2,163
Total stockholders' equity	621,605	322,112
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 693,746	$ 352,877

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ (6,619)	$ 10,803	$ 49,630	$ 25,295
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $323 and $(9) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $0 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011	(588)	(1,913)	2,000	(1,913)
Add: reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (loss)	173	0	212	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (7,034)	$ 8,890	$ 51,842	$ 23,382

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Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (ADAPTIX, Inc. [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 12, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
ADAPTIX, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of net tangible assets acquired	$ 10,000
Intangible assets acquired - patents	150,000
Goodwill	36,202
Net deferred income tax liability	(36,202)
Total purchase price	160,000	160,000
Intangible assets acquired - patents - amortization period	10 years
Intangible assets acquired - patents - annual amortization	$ 15,000

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Fair Value Measurements and Auction Rate Securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements and Auction Rate Securities [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table presents the auction rate securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the interim periods presented (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Balance as of July 1 and January 1, respectively	$	1,506		$	1,975		$	1,956		$	2,001
Total gains (realized or unrealized):
Recognized gains included in earnings	118			6			118			15
Settlements	(1,624		)	(25		)	(2,074		)	(60		)
Balance as of September 30	$	—		$	1,956		$	—		$	1,956

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Acquisitions Pro Forma Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 34,939	$ 50,585			$ 184,463
Total operating costs and expenses	43,303	42,364			119,348	129,234
Operating income (loss)	(8,364)	8,221			65,115	22,227
Interest and investment income	(41)	25			117	78
Income (loss) from operations before provision for income taxes	(8,405)	8,246			65,232	22,305
Provision for income taxes	1,938	(1,889)			(16,303)	(9,343)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(6,467)	6,357			48,929	12,962
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(152)	257			63	(646)
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ (6,619)	$ 6,614			$ 48,992	$ 12,316
Pro forma income (loss) per common share attributable to Acacia Research Corporation: Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.14)		$ 0.16	$ 0.31	$ 1.04
Pro forma income (loss) per common share attributable to Acacia Research Corporation: Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.14)		$ 0.15	$ 0.30	$ 1.03
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	48,332,878		41,292,819	39,178,952	46,886,820
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	48,332,878		42,857,880	40,733,813	47,795,819

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Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 12, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Number of patent portfolios		250
Partners capital, authorized		$ 250,000,000
ADAPTIX, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash payments to acquire businesses	$ 160,000,000	$ 160,000,000

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income tax benefit (expense) included in unrealized gain on short-term investments	$ 323	$ 0	$ (9)	$ 0

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	49,770,624	42,928,001
Common stock, shares outstanding	49,770,624	42,928,001
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements - Adopted Effective January 1, 2012. In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The new guidance provides an entity the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines that this is the case, it is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit (if any). If an entity determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.    

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income (loss). The new guidance allows an entity to present components of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income (loss), or in two separate, but consecutive statements. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income (loss) and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income (loss), there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income (loss) or other comprehensive income (loss) from that of current accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to defer the presentation on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the components of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) for annual and interim financial statements. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2011, the FASB issued a new accounting standard on fair value measurements that clarifies the application of existing guidance and disclosure requirements, changes certain fair value measurement principles and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Nov. 05, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	ACACIA RESEARCH CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000934549
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,788,760

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been substantially performed pursuant to the terms of the arrangement, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable, and (iv) the collectibility of amounts is reasonably assured.

In general, revenue arrangements provide for the payment of contractually determined fees in consideration for the grant of certain intellectual property rights for patented technologies owned or controlled by Acacia’s operating subsidiaries.  These rights typically include some combination of the following:  (i) the grant of a non-exclusive, retroactive and future license to manufacture and/or sell products covered by patented technologies owned or controlled by Acacia’s operating subsidiaries, (ii) a covenant-not-to-sue, (iii) the release of the licensee from certain claims, and (iv) the dismissal of any pending litigation.  The intellectual property rights granted may be perpetual in nature, extending until the expiration of the related patents, or can be granted for a defined, relatively short period of time, with the licensee possessing the right to renew the agreement at the end of each contractual term for an additional minimum upfront payment.  Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, Acacia’s operating subsidiaries have no further obligation with respect to the grant of the non-exclusive retroactive and future licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other deliverables, including no express or implied obligation on Acacia’s operating subsidiaries’ part to maintain or upgrade the technology, or provide future support or services.  Generally, the agreements provide for the grant of the licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other significant deliverables upon execution of the agreement, or upon receipt of the minimum upfront payment for term agreement renewals.  As such, the earnings process is complete and revenue is recognized upon the execution of the agreement, when collectibility is reasonably assured, or upon receipt of the minimum upfront fee for term agreement renewals, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of Revenues.  Cost of revenues include the costs and expenses incurred in connection with Acacia’s patent licensing and enforcement activities, including inventor royalties paid to original patent owners, contingent legal fees paid to external patent counsel, other patent-related legal expenses paid to external patent counsel, licensing and enforcement related research, consulting and other expenses paid to third parties and the amortization of patent-related acquisition costs.  These costs are included under the caption “Cost of revenues” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Inventor Royalties and Contingent Legal Expenses

Inventor Royalties and Contingent Legal Expenses. Inventor royalties are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized.  In certain instances, pursuant to the terms of the underlying inventor agreements, costs paid by Acacia’s operating subsidiaries to acquire patents are recoverable from future net revenues.  Patent acquisition costs that are recoverable from future net revenues are amortized over the estimated economic useful life of the related patents, or as the prepaid royalties are earned by the inventor, as appropriate, and the related expense is included in amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations.  Any unamortized patent acquisition costs recovered from net revenues are expensed in the period recovered, and included in amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Contingent legal fees are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized. In instances where there are no recoveries from potential infringers, no contingent legal fees are paid; however, Acacia’s operating subsidiaries may be liable for certain out of pocket legal costs incurred pursuant to the underlying legal services agreement.  Legal fees advanced by contingent law firms that are required to be paid in the event that no license recoveries are obtained are expensed as incurred and included in liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, Acacia entered into agreements with unrelated third parties resolving pending patent matters that resulted in the grant of certain intellectual property rights and recognition of revenues, a portion of which were not subject to inventor royalty and contingent legal fee arrangements, as well as the grant of certain intellectual property rights from certain of Acacia’s operating subsidiaries and recognition of revenues that were subject to inventor royalties and contingent legal fee arrangements.  Revenues recognized subject to inventor royalties and contingent legal fees are based on a determination by the respective operating subsidiaries.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Acacia believes that, of the significant accounting policies described herein, the accounting policies associated with revenue recognition, stock-based compensation expense, impairment of marketable securities and intangible assets, the determination of the economic useful life of amortizable intangible assets, income taxes and valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets and the application of the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, require its most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

Concentrations

Concentrations. Five licensees individually accounted for 30%, 13%, 10%, 10% and 10% of revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012, and four licensees individually accounted for 29%, 20%, 11% and 10% of revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Two licensees individually accounted for 59% and 26% of revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2011, and three licensees individually accounted for 30%, 20% and 16% of revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Three licensees individually represented approximately 27%, 21% and 20% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2012. Five other licensees individually represented approximately 18%, 15%, 14%, 13% and 10% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2011. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, 12% and 45%, respectively, of revenues were attributable to licensees domiciled in foreign jurisdictions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, 59% and 56%, respectively, of revenues were attributable to licensees domiciled in foreign jurisdictions.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation. The compensation cost for all stock-based awards is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense, on a straight-line basis, over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award) which is generally two to four years. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is determined by the product of the number of shares or units granted and the grant date market price of the underlying common stock. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded only for those awards expected to vest using an estimated forfeiture rate.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles define fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date, and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available. The three-level hierarchy of valuation techniques established to measure fair value is defined as follows:

● Level 1 - Observable Inputs:  Quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;

● Level 2 - Pricing Models with Significant Observable Inputs:  Other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, credit risk, etc.; and

● Level 3 - Unobservable Inputs:  Significant unobservable inputs, including the entity’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments.

Whenever possible, the Company is required to use observable market inputs (Level 1 - quoted market prices) when measuring fair value.

Investments in and Impairment of Marketable Securities

Investments in Marketable Securities. Investments in securities with original maturities of greater than three months and less than one year and other investments representing amounts that are available for current operations are classified as short-term investments, unless there are indications that such investments may not be readily sold in the short term. The fair values of these investments approximate their carrying values. At September 30, 2012, all of Acacia’s short term investments were classified as available-for-sale, which are reported at fair value on a recurring basis using significant observable inputs (Level 1), with related unrealized gains and losses in the value of such securities recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity until realized. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded based on the specific identification method. Interest on all securities is included in interest income. At September 30, 2012, short term investments were comprised of equity investments in the common stock of certain technology companies and investments in highly liquid, AAA, U.S. government fixed income securities with maturity dates ranging from 2012 to 2013.

Short term marketable securities for the periods presented were comprised of the following: (in thousands):

	September 30, 2012
Security Type	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
U.S. government fixed income securities	$	143,002	$	44	$	(354	)	$	142,692
Equity securities of certain technology companies	3,254		757		(56		)	3,955
Total short-term investments	$	146,256	$	801	$	(410	)	$	146,647

	December 31, 2011
Security Type	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
U.S. government fixed income securities	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Equity securities of certain technology companies	8,427		169		(1,999		)	6,597
Total short-term investments	$	8,427	$	169	$	(1,999	)	$	6,597

Impairment of Marketable Securities. Acacia evaluates its investments in marketable securities for potential impairment, employing a methodology on a quarterly basis that considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence. If the cost or carrying value of an investment exceeds its estimated fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, credit quality of instrument issuers, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold, or plans or ability to sell. Fair value is estimated based on publicly available market information or other estimates determined by management. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is estimated to be other-than-temporary. Acacia reviews impairments associated with its investments in marketable securities and determines the classification of any impairment as temporary or other-than-temporary.   An impairment is deemed other-than-temporary unless (a) Acacia has the ability and intent to hold an investment for a period of time sufficient for recovery of its carrying amount and (b) positive evidence indicating that the investment’s carrying amount is recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs any evidence to the contrary. All available evidence, both positive and negative, is considered to determine whether, based on the weight of such evidence, the carrying amount of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period of time. For investments classified as available-for-sale, unrealized losses that are other-than-temporary are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

Patents

Patents.  Patents includes the cost of patents or patent rights (hereinafter, collectively “patents”), acquired from third-parties or acquired in connection with business combinations. Patent acquisition costs are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over their remaining economic useful lives, ranging from one to nine years.

Goodwill

Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (December 31 for Acacia) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Acacia considers its market capitalization and the carrying value of its assets and liabilities, including goodwill, when performing its goodwill impairment test. When conducting its annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Company initially performs a qualitative evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. If it is determined by a qualitative evaluation that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the Company then applies a two-step impairment test. The two-step impairment test first compares the fair value of the Company's reporting unit to its carrying or book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company determines the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill and if the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment loss equal to the difference is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.

Acacia uses the management approach, which designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the basis of Acacia’s reportable segments.  Acacia’s intellectual property licensing and enforcement business constitutes its single reportable segment.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes.  Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in Acacia’s consolidated financial statements or consolidated tax returns. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if all, or some portion, of such assets will more than likely not be realized.

The provision for income taxes for interim periods is determined using an estimate of Acacia’s annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter, Acacia updates the estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if the estimated tax rate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made.  

As of September 30, 2012, Acacia’s estimated annual effective tax rate is approximately 40%, mainly comprised of U.S. federal and state incomes taxes, foreign withholding taxes and nondeductible permanent expenses. Acacia’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 25%. The difference between the effective tax rate and the estimated annual effective tax rate is mainly due to the benefit associated with the release of valuation allowance in the first quarter of 2012 in connection with the acquisition of ADAPTIX, as described below.

Tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included foreign withholding taxes totaling $11,890,000 withheld by the applicable foreign tax authority on revenue agreements executed with third party licensees domiciled in certain foreign jurisdictions. The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 provides for the utilization (subject to certain limitations, if applicable) of the foreign taxes withheld as a credit against income tax expense calculated for financial statement purposes.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the provision for income taxes included foreign withholding taxes totaling $7,586,000. Excluding the impact of foreign withholding taxes, the 2011 annual effective tax rate was estimated to be lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate due primarily to the anticipated utilization of available net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards to reduce U.S. taxable income.  

Tax expense for the periods presented reflects the impact of the calculation of tax expense for financial reporting purposes without the excess tax benefit related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, if a deduction reported on a tax return for an equity-based incentive award exceeds the cumulative compensation cost for such instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes, any resulting realized tax benefit that exceeds the previously calculated and recognized compensation expense for such instruments is considered an excess tax benefit, and is recognized as a credit to additional paid-in capital, not taxes payable. The deduction related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards is available to offset taxable income, if any, on Acacia’s future consolidated tax returns. Accordingly, the noncash tax expense calculated without the benefit related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards totaling $7,554,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was credited to additional paid-in capital, not taxes payable, and therefore does not reflect cash taxes payable. As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, taxes paid or payable totaled approximately $12,300,000, primarily comprised of foreign withholding taxes, as described above, and other state related taxes payable.

At December 31, 2011, Acacia had U.S. federal and state income tax net operating losses (“NOLs”) totaling approximately $69,062,000 and $61,493,000, expiring between 2020 and 2030, and 2015 and 2030, respectively. Utilization of NOLs and credit carryforwards can be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that may have occurred or that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as similar state provisions. 

Release of Valuation Allowance. As of December 31, 2011, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. The net deferred tax liability resulting from the acquisition of ADAPTIX created an additional source of income to utilize against Acacia’s existing consolidated net deferred tax assets. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the impact on the acquiring company’s deferred tax assets is recorded outside of acquisition accounting. In addition, the Company estimated that certain other deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credits and other state related deferreds, totaling approximately $1,900,000, were more likely than not realizable in future periods. Accordingly, the valuation allowance on the majority of Acacia’s net deferred tax assets was released, resulting in an income tax benefit of approximately $10,237,000, recorded as a credit to income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The offsetting amounts reduced net deferred tax liabilities, approximately $8,300,000 of which reduced the net deferred tax liability established in connection with the application of the acquisition method of accounting for the ADAPTIX acquisition. Refer to Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenues	$ 34,939	$ 50,585	$ 184,463	$ 151,461
Cost of revenues:
Inventor royalties	5,032	15,592	22,199	37,269
Contingent legal fees	8,833	12,328	19,188	34,734
Litigation and licensing expenses - patents	5,973	3,501	14,622	10,800
Amortization of patents	10,412	1,946	20,931	8,318
Verdict insurance proceeds	0	(12,451)	0	(12,451)
Verdict insurance proceeds related costs	0	7,661	0	7,661
Marketing, general and administrative expenses (including non-cash stock compensation expense of $6,285 and $17,375 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $3,568 and $9,891 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively)	11,914	8,748	37,548	27,031
Research, consulting and other expenses - business development	1,139	850	4,222	2,893
Total operating costs and expenses	43,303	38,175	118,710	116,255
Operating income (loss)	(8,364)	12,410	65,753	35,206
Interest and investment income	(41)	25	117	78
Income (loss) from operations before benefit from (provision for) income taxes	(8,405)	12,435	65,870	35,284
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	1,938	(1,889)	(16,303)	(9,343)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(6,467)	10,546	49,567	25,941
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(152)	257	63	(646)
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ (6,619)	$ 10,803	$ 49,630	$ 25,295
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Acacia Research Corporation:
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.14)	$ 0.26	$ 1.06	$ 0.65
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.14)	$ 0.25	$ 1.04	$ 0.62
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	48,332,878	41,292,819	46,886,820	39,178,952
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	48,332,878	42,857,880	47,795,819	40,733,813

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Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets

GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Acacia’s only identifiable intangible assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are patents and patent rights.  Patent-related accumulated amortization totaled $51,762,000 and $36,331,000 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Acacia’s patents and patent rights have remaining estimated economic useful lives ranging from one to nine years.  The weighted-average remaining estimated economic useful life of Acacia’s patents and patent rights is approximately eight years.  The following table presents the scheduled annual aggregate amortization expense as of September 30, 2012 (in thousands):

Remainder of 2012	$	7,572
2013	30,003
2014	29,749
2015	29,273
2016	28,387
Thereafter	101,333
Total	$	226,317

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, Acacia paid patent and patent rights acquisition costs totaling $64,960,000 (excluding the acquisition of ADAPTIX) and $2,805,000, respectively.  The patents and patent rights acquired have estimated economic useful lives of approximately one to eight years. Included in net additions to capitalized patent costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are accrued future patent acquisition costs totaling $8,000,000 and $825,000, respectively, which were incurred pursuant to the terms of the underlying patent acquisition agreements. Accrued future patent acquisition costs are amortized over the estimated economic useful life of the related patents acquired.

Refer to Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements for additions to patents and goodwill in connection with Acacia’s acquisition of ADAPTIX and the related application of the acquisition method of accounting.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, certain operating subsidiaries recovered up-front patent portfolio acquisition costs from applicable net licensing proceeds prior to the scheduled amortization of such up-front patent portfolio acquisition costs, resulting in the acceleration of amortization expense for the applicable patent related assets. Accelerated amortization expense related to the recovery of up-front patent acquisition costs totaled $152,000 and $534,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $730,000 and $4,069,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, as provided for in the underlying agreements, certain of Acacia's operating subsidiaries elected to sell or terminate rights to certain patent portfolios, resulting in accelerated amortization expense for the patent related assets totaling $3,023,000 and $101,000, respectively.

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Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Earnings (Loss) Per Share.  Basic income (loss) per share is computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, excluding unvested restricted stock.  Diluted income (loss) per share is computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, including the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding during the periods.  Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents primarily consist of employee stock options, unvested restricted stock, and restricted stock units (“Equity-based Incentive Awards”).

Potentially dilutive common shares from Equity-based Incentive Awards are determined by applying the treasury stock method to the assumed exercise of outstanding employee stock options, and the assumed vesting of outstanding unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units.  The following table presents the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2012	2011
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	48,332,878	41,292,819	46,886,820	39,178,952
Dilutive effect of Equity-based Incentive Awards	—	1,565,061	908,999	1,554,861
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	48,332,878	42,857,880	47,795,819	40,733,813
Anti-dilutive Equity-based Incentive Awards excluded from the computation of diluted income per share	658,445	30,000	575,059	46,560

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Acquisitions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation

Based on the total purchase consideration and the estimate of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed by ARG as of the Acquisition Date, the purchase price allocation was as follows ($ amounts in thousands):

				Amortization Period	Annual Amortization
Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
Fair value of net tangible assets acquired	$	10,000
Intangible assets acquired - patents	150,000			10 years	$	15,000
Goodwill	36,202
Net deferred income tax liability	(36,202		)
Total	$	160,000

Deferred Tax Liability, Acquisition

The estimated net deferred tax liability was determined as follows ($ amounts in thousands):

	Book Basis		Tax Basis		Difference
Intangible assets acquired - patents	$	150,000	$	—	$	(150,000	)
Estimated net operating loss carryforwards - ADAPTIX	—		46,565		46,565
Net deferred tax liability - pretax					(103,435		)
Estimated tax rate					35		%
Estimated net deferred tax liability					$	(36,202	)

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information

The unaudited pro forma combined results are presented in thousands, except share and per share information.

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenues	$	34,939		$	50,585		$	184,463		$	151,461
Total operating costs and expenses	43,303			42,364			119,348			129,234
Operating income (loss)	(8,364		)	8,221			65,115			22,227
Total other income (expenses)	(41		)	25			117			78
Income (loss) from operations before benefit from (provision for) income taxes	(8,405		)	8,246			65,232			22,305
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	1,938			(1,889		)	(16,303		)	(9,343		)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(6,467		)	6,357			48,929			12,962
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(152		)	257			63			(646		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$	(6,619	)	$	6,614		$	48,992		$	12,316

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011		2012		2011
Pro forma income (loss) per common share attributable to Acacia Research Corporation:
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	0.16	$	1.04	$	0.31
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	0.15	$	1.03	$	0.30
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	48,332,878			41,292,819		46,886,820		39,178,952
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	48,332,878			42,857,880		47,795,819		40,733,813

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Investments in Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities

Short term marketable securities for the periods presented were comprised of the following: (in thousands):

	September 30, 2012
Security Type	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
U.S. government fixed income securities	$	143,002	$	44	$	(354	)	$	142,692
Equity securities of certain technology companies	3,254		757		(56		)	3,955
Total short-term investments	$	146,256	$	801	$	(410	)	$	146,647

	December 31, 2011
Security Type	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
U.S. government fixed income securities	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Equity securities of certain technology companies	8,427		169		(1,999		)	6,597
Total short-term investments	$	8,427	$	169	$	(1,999	)	$	6,597

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Stockholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In February 2012, Acacia raised gross proceeds of $225,000,000 through the sale of 6,122,000 shares of Acacia’s common stock at a price of $36.75 per share in a private placement offering with certain institutional accredited investors. Net proceeds, net of placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses, totaled approximately $218,983,000. Acacia intends to use the net proceeds of this private placement to finance pending and future acquisitions of patents and patent royalties and other patent licensing vehicles and companies with patent assets, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In March 2011, Acacia completed a registered public offering of 5,750,000 shares of common stock. The public offering price was $31.50 per share, and the net proceeds to the Company totaled approximately $175,232,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and related offering expenses. Acacia retained broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this sale of common stock, including the use of the net proceeds for operations and for other general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, working capital, strategic acquisitions and other transactions.

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Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Patent Enforcement and Other Litigation

Acacia is subject to claims, counterclaims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business.  Management believes that the ultimate liability with respect to these claims and legal actions, if any, will not have a material effect on Acacia’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Certain of Acacia’s operating subsidiaries are often required to engage in litigation to enforce their patents and patent rights.  In connection with any of Acacia’s operating subsidiaries’ patent enforcement actions, it is possible that a defendant may request and/or a court may rule that an operating subsidiary has violated statutory authority, regulatory authority, federal rules, local court rules, or governing standards relating to the substantive or procedural aspects of such enforcement actions.  In such event, a court may issue monetary sanctions against Acacia or its operating subsidiaries or award attorney’s fees and/or expenses to a defendant(s), which could be material.

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Fair Value Measurements and Auction Rate Securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements and Auction Rate Securities [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements and Auction Rate Securities

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND AUCTION RATE SECURITIES

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, Acacia held investment grade auction rate securities with a par value totaling $0 and $2,425,000, respectively, consisting of auction rate investments backed by student loans, which are classified as noncurrent, available-for-sale investments, and reflected at fair value. The fair values of these securities were estimated utilizing an analysis of certain unobservable inputs (Level 3) and by reference to periodic discounted cash flow analyses.  These analyses considered, among other items, the underlying structure of each security, the collateral underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the present value of future principal and contractual interest payments discounted at rates considered to be reflective of current market conditions, consideration of the probabilities of default, continued auction failure, or repurchase or redemption at par for each period, and estimates of the time period over which current liquidity related issues will be resolved.  

All remaining auction rate securities were sold during the three months ended September 30, 2012. The following table presents the auction rate securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the interim periods presented (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Balance as of July 1 and January 1, respectively	$	1,506		$	1,975		$	1,956		$	2,001
Total gains (realized or unrealized):
Recognized gains included in earnings	118			6			118			15
Settlements	(1,624		)	(25		)	(2,074		)	(60		)
Balance as of September 30	$	—		$	1,956		$	—		$	1,956

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Acquisitions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

ACQUISITION

On January 12, 2012 (the “Acquisition Date”), pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 22, 2011 (the “Merger Agreement”) among Acacia Research Group LLC (“ARG”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acacia, Apollo Patent Corp., a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of ARG (“Merger Sub”), ADAPTIX, a Delaware corporation, and Baker Communications Fund II (QP), L.P. solely in its capacity as shareholder representative, ARG completed its acquisition of ADAPTIX, which held no material assets other than its portfolio of patents and $10 million in cash, through a merger of Merger Sub with and into ADAPTIX, with ADAPTIX as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). Upon completion of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub ceased and ADAPTIX became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARG.

ADAPTIX is a pioneer in the development of 4G technologies for wireless systems. With patents filed as early as 2000, ADAPTIX’s research and development efforts have resulted in one of the world’s most significant intellectual property portfolios focused on 4G technologies. With its growing portfolio of 230 issued and pending patents in 13 countries, ADAPTIX’s innovations extend across a broad range of 4G technologies including OFDMA and MIMO.

The Merger is being accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations” (“Topic 805”). Topic 805 requires, among other things, that identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the Acquisition Date. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase consideration is allocated to the assets acquired, including tangible assets, patents and other identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair market values on the date of acquisition. Any excess purchase price after the initial allocation to identifiable net tangible and identifiable intangible assets is assigned to goodwill. Amounts attributable to patents are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful life of the underlying patents.

The total consideration paid by ARG in connection with the Merger was approximately $160 million, paid in cash. Based on the total purchase consideration and the estimate of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed by ARG as of the Acquisition Date, the purchase price allocation was as follows ($ amounts in thousands):

				Amortization Period	Annual Amortization
Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
Fair value of net tangible assets acquired	$	10,000
Intangible assets acquired - patents	150,000			10 years	$	15,000
Goodwill	36,202
Net deferred income tax liability	(36,202		)
Total	$	160,000

Amounts attributable to the patents acquired are being amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated weighted average economic useful life of the underlying patents, which is estimated to be approximately ten years. Goodwill is calculated as the residual after recording the identifiable net assets acquired and associated net deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Management is primarily responsible for determining the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Acquisition Date. Management considered a number of factors, including reference to a preliminary independent analysis of estimated fair values solely for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The analysis included a preliminary discounted cash flow analysis which estimated the future net cash flows expected to result from the licensing and enforcement of the patent portfolio as of the date of acquisition, considering assumptions and estimates related to potential infringers of the patents, applicable industries, usage of the underlying patented technologies, estimated license fee revenues, contingent legal fee arrangements, other estimated costs, tax implications and other factors. A discount rate consistent with the risks associated with achieving the estimated net cash flows was used to estimate the present value of future estimated net cash flows. The Company is in the process of finalizing the estimates and assumptions developed in connection with the independent analysis of estimated fair values solely for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any adjustments to the fair values of intangibles assets acquired, or estimates of economic useful lives of the intangible assets acquired, could impact the carrying value of those assets and related goodwill, as well as the estimates of periodic amortization of intangible assets acquired to be reflected in the statement of operations. In addition, the Company is in the process of finalizing its estimate and analysis of the fair values of certain tax attributes acquired. Any adjustments to the preliminary estimates of tax attributes acquired will increase or decrease the estimated net deferred tax liability recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting, with an offsetting adjustment to goodwill.

The Merger is being treated for tax purposes as a nontaxable transaction and as such, the historical tax bases of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, net operating losses, and other tax attributes of ADAPTIX will carryover. As a result, no new tax goodwill will be created in connection with the Merger as there is no step-up to fair value of the underlying tax bases of the acquired net assets. Acquisition accounting includes the establishment of a net deferred tax asset or liability resulting from book tax basis differences related to assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition. Acquisition date deferred tax assets primarily relate to certain net operating loss carryforwards of ADAPTIX. Acquisition date deferred tax liabilities relate to specifically identified non-goodwill intangibles acquired. The estimated net deferred tax liability was determined as follows ($ amounts in thousands):

	Book Basis		Tax Basis		Difference
Intangible assets acquired - patents	$	150,000	$	—	$	(150,000	)
Estimated net operating loss carryforwards - ADAPTIX	—		46,565		46,565
Net deferred tax liability - pretax					(103,435		)
Estimated tax rate					35		%
Estimated net deferred tax liability					$	(36,202	)

The following unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for the interim period presented are provided for illustrative purposes only and assume the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma combined financial results do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations for future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had the entities been a single entity during these periods. The unaudited pro forma combined results are presented in thousands, except share and per share information.

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenues	$	34,939		$	50,585		$	184,463		$	151,461
Total operating costs and expenses	43,303			42,364			119,348			129,234
Operating income (loss)	(8,364		)	8,221			65,115			22,227
Total other income (expenses)	(41		)	25			117			78
Income (loss) from operations before benefit from (provision for) income taxes	(8,405		)	8,246			65,232			22,305
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	1,938			(1,889		)	(16,303		)	(9,343		)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(6,467		)	6,357			48,929			12,962
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	(152		)	257			63			(646		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$	(6,619	)	$	6,614		$	48,992		$	12,316

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011		2012		2011
Pro forma income (loss) per common share attributable to Acacia Research Corporation:
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	0.16	$	1.04	$	0.31
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	0.15	$	1.03	$	0.30
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	48,332,878			41,292,819		46,886,820		39,178,952
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	48,332,878			42,857,880		47,795,819		40,733,813

Pro forma adjustments primarily relate to the amortization of identifiable intangible assets acquired over an estimated economic useful life of ten years, historical operating expenses of ADAPTIX for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, and the expensing of acquisition costs incurred by ARG in connection with the Merger.

The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the periods presented herein have been adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. As such, the income tax benefit related to the release of valuation allowance reflected in the statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as described at Note 2, is not reflected in the accompanying unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the periods presented.

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Acquisitions (Details) (ADAPTIX, Inc. [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 12, 2012 Number	Sep. 30, 2012
ADAPTIX, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,000,000
Number of patents acquired	230
Number of countries which have patents	13
Cash payments to acquire businesses	160,000,000	160,000,000
Intangible assets acquired - patents - amortization period	10 years
Intangible assets acquired - patents, book basis	150,000,000
Intangible assets acquired - patents, tax basis	0
Intangible assets acquired - patents - difference	(150,000,000)
Estimated net operating loss carryforwards - ADAPTIX, book basis	0
Estimated net operating loss carryforwards - ADAPTIX, tax basis	46,565,000
Estimated net operating loss carryforwards - ADAPTIX, difference	46,565,000
Net deferred tax liability - pretax	(103,435,000)
Estimated tax rate	35.00%
Estimated net deferred tax liability	$ (36,202,000)

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Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense

The following table presents the scheduled annual aggregate amortization expense as of September 30, 2012 (in thousands):

Remainder of 2012	$	7,572
2013	30,003
2014	29,749
2015	29,273
2016	28,387
Thereafter	101,333
Total	$	226,317

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Concentration Risk (Details)			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 1 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Licensee 1 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 1 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Licensee 1 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 1 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Licensee 1 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 2 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Licensee 2 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 2 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Licensee 2 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 2 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Licensee 2 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 3 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Licensee 3 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 3 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 3 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Licensee 3 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Licensee 4 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 4 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 4 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Licensee 5 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensee 5 [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensees in foreign jurisdictions [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Licensees in foreign jurisdictions [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Licensees in foreign jurisdictions [Member] License Revenues [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Licensees in foreign jurisdictions [Member] License Revenues [Member]
Concentrations
Concentration Risk, Percentage - Revenues			30.00%	59.00%	29.00%	30.00%			13.00%	26.00%	20.00%	20.00%			10.00%	11.00%	16.00%		10.00%	10.00%		10.00%	12.00%	59.00%	45.00%	56.00%
Concentration Risk, Percentage - Accounts Receivable	27.00%	18.00%					21.00%	15.00%					20.00%	14.00%				13.00%			10.00%

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Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Non-cash stock compensation	$ 6,285	$ 3,568	$ 17,375	$ 9,891

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been substantially performed pursuant to the terms of the arrangement, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable, and (iv) the collectibility of amounts is reasonably assured.

In general, revenue arrangements provide for the payment of contractually determined fees in consideration for the grant of certain intellectual property rights for patented technologies owned or controlled by Acacia’s operating subsidiaries.  These rights typically include some combination of the following:  (i) the grant of a non-exclusive, retroactive and future license to manufacture and/or sell products covered by patented technologies owned or controlled by Acacia’s operating subsidiaries, (ii) a covenant-not-to-sue, (iii) the release of the licensee from certain claims, and (iv) the dismissal of any pending litigation.  The intellectual property rights granted may be perpetual in nature, extending until the expiration of the related patents, or can be granted for a defined, relatively short period of time, with the licensee possessing the right to renew the agreement at the end of each contractual term for an additional minimum upfront payment.  Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, Acacia’s operating subsidiaries have no further obligation with respect to the grant of the non-exclusive retroactive and future licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other deliverables, including no express or implied obligation on Acacia’s operating subsidiaries’ part to maintain or upgrade the technology, or provide future support or services.  Generally, the agreements provide for the grant of the licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other significant deliverables upon execution of the agreement, or upon receipt of the minimum upfront payment for term agreement renewals.  As such, the earnings process is complete and revenue is recognized upon the execution of the agreement, when collectibility is reasonably assured, or upon receipt of the minimum upfront fee for term agreement renewals, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Cost of Revenues.  Cost of revenues include the costs and expenses incurred in connection with Acacia’s patent licensing and enforcement activities, including inventor royalties paid to original patent owners, contingent legal fees paid to external patent counsel, other patent-related legal expenses paid to external patent counsel, licensing and enforcement related research, consulting and other expenses paid to third parties and the amortization of patent-related acquisition costs.  These costs are included under the caption “Cost of revenues” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  

Inventor Royalties and Contingent Legal Expenses. Inventor royalties are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized.  In certain instances, pursuant to the terms of the underlying inventor agreements, costs paid by Acacia’s operating subsidiaries to acquire patents are recoverable from future net revenues.  Patent acquisition costs that are recoverable from future net revenues are amortized over the estimated economic useful life of the related patents, or as the prepaid royalties are earned by the inventor, as appropriate, and the related expense is included in amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations.  Any unamortized patent acquisition costs recovered from net revenues are expensed in the period recovered, and included in amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Contingent legal fees are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized. In instances where there are no recoveries from potential infringers, no contingent legal fees are paid; however, Acacia’s operating subsidiaries may be liable for certain out of pocket legal costs incurred pursuant to the underlying legal services agreement.  Legal fees advanced by contingent law firms that are required to be paid in the event that no license recoveries are obtained are expensed as incurred and included in liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, Acacia entered into agreements with unrelated third parties resolving pending patent matters that resulted in the grant of certain intellectual property rights and recognition of revenues, a portion of which were not subject to inventor royalty and contingent legal fee arrangements, as well as the grant of certain intellectual property rights from certain of Acacia’s operating subsidiaries and recognition of revenues that were subject to inventor royalties and contingent legal fee arrangements.  Revenues recognized subject to inventor royalties and contingent legal fees are based on a determination by the respective operating subsidiaries.

Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Acacia believes that, of the significant accounting policies described herein, the accounting policies associated with revenue recognition, stock-based compensation expense, impairment of marketable securities and intangible assets, the determination of the economic useful life of amortizable intangible assets, income taxes and valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets and the application of the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, require its most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

Concentrations. Five licensees individually accounted for 30%, 13%, 10%, 10% and 10% of revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012, and four licensees individually accounted for 29%, 20%, 11% and 10% of revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Two licensees individually accounted for 59% and 26% of revenues recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2011, and three licensees individually accounted for 30%, 20% and 16% of revenues recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Three licensees individually represented approximately 27%, 21% and 20% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2012. Five other licensees individually represented approximately 18%, 15%, 14%, 13% and 10% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2011. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, 12% and 45%, respectively, of revenues were attributable to licensees domiciled in foreign jurisdictions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, 59% and 56%, respectively, of revenues were attributable to licensees domiciled in foreign jurisdictions.

Stock-Based Compensation. The compensation cost for all stock-based awards is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense, on a straight-line basis, over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award) which is generally two to four years. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is determined by the product of the number of shares or units granted and the grant date market price of the underlying common stock. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded only for those awards expected to vest using an estimated forfeiture rate.

Fair Value Measurements. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles define fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date, and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available. The three-level hierarchy of valuation techniques established to measure fair value is defined as follows:

● Level 1 - Observable Inputs:  Quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;

● Level 2 - Pricing Models with Significant Observable Inputs:  Other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, credit risk, etc.; and

● Level 3 - Unobservable Inputs:  Significant unobservable inputs, including the entity’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments.

Whenever possible, the Company is required to use observable market inputs (Level 1 - quoted market prices) when measuring fair value.

Investments in Marketable Securities. Investments in securities with original maturities of greater than three months and less than one year and other investments representing amounts that are available for current operations are classified as short-term investments, unless there are indications that such investments may not be readily sold in the short term. The fair values of these investments approximate their carrying values. At September 30, 2012, all of Acacia’s short term investments were classified as available-for-sale, which are reported at fair value on a recurring basis using significant observable inputs (Level 1), with related unrealized gains and losses in the value of such securities recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity until realized. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded based on the specific identification method. Interest on all securities is included in interest income. At September 30, 2012, short term investments were comprised of equity investments in the common stock of certain technology companies and investments in highly liquid, AAA, U.S. government fixed income securities with maturity dates ranging from 2012 to 2013.

Short term marketable securities for the periods presented were comprised of the following: (in thousands):

	September 30, 2012
Security Type	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
U.S. government fixed income securities	$	143,002	$	44	$	(354	)	$	142,692
Equity securities of certain technology companies	3,254		757		(56		)	3,955
Total short-term investments	$	146,256	$	801	$	(410	)	$	146,647

	December 31, 2011
Security Type	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
U.S. government fixed income securities	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Equity securities of certain technology companies	8,427		169		(1,999		)	6,597
Total short-term investments	$	8,427	$	169	$	(1,999	)	$	6,597

Impairment of Marketable Securities. Acacia evaluates its investments in marketable securities for potential impairment, employing a methodology on a quarterly basis that considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence. If the cost or carrying value of an investment exceeds its estimated fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, credit quality of instrument issuers, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold, or plans or ability to sell. Fair value is estimated based on publicly available market information or other estimates determined by management. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is estimated to be other-than-temporary. Acacia reviews impairments associated with its investments in marketable securities and determines the classification of any impairment as temporary or other-than-temporary.   An impairment is deemed other-than-temporary unless (a) Acacia has the ability and intent to hold an investment for a period of time sufficient for recovery of its carrying amount and (b) positive evidence indicating that the investment’s carrying amount is recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs any evidence to the contrary. All available evidence, both positive and negative, is considered to determine whether, based on the weight of such evidence, the carrying amount of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period of time. For investments classified as available-for-sale, unrealized losses that are other-than-temporary are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.  

Patents.  Patents includes the cost of patents or patent rights (hereinafter, collectively “patents”), acquired from third-parties or acquired in connection with business combinations. Patent acquisition costs are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over their remaining economic useful lives, ranging from one to nine years.

Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (December 31 for Acacia) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Acacia considers its market capitalization and the carrying value of its assets and liabilities, including goodwill, when performing its goodwill impairment test. When conducting its annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Company initially performs a qualitative evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. If it is determined by a qualitative evaluation that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the Company then applies a two-step impairment test. The two-step impairment test first compares the fair value of the Company's reporting unit to its carrying or book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company determines the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill and if the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment loss equal to the difference is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.

Acacia uses the management approach, which designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the basis of Acacia’s reportable segments.  Acacia’s intellectual property licensing and enforcement business constitutes its single reportable segment.

Income Taxes.  Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in Acacia’s consolidated financial statements or consolidated tax returns. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if all, or some portion, of such assets will more than likely not be realized.

The provision for income taxes for interim periods is determined using an estimate of Acacia’s annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter, Acacia updates the estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if the estimated tax rate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made.  

As of September 30, 2012, Acacia’s estimated annual effective tax rate is approximately 40%, mainly comprised of U.S. federal and state incomes taxes, foreign withholding taxes and nondeductible permanent expenses. Acacia’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 25%. The difference between the effective tax rate and the estimated annual effective tax rate is mainly due to the benefit associated with the release of valuation allowance in the first quarter of 2012 in connection with the acquisition of ADAPTIX, as described below.

Tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included foreign withholding taxes totaling $11,890,000 withheld by the applicable foreign tax authority on revenue agreements executed with third party licensees domiciled in certain foreign jurisdictions. The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 provides for the utilization (subject to certain limitations, if applicable) of the foreign taxes withheld as a credit against income tax expense calculated for financial statement purposes.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the provision for income taxes included foreign withholding taxes totaling $7,586,000. Excluding the impact of foreign withholding taxes, the 2011 annual effective tax rate was estimated to be lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate due primarily to the anticipated utilization of available net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards to reduce U.S. taxable income.  

Tax expense for the periods presented reflects the impact of the calculation of tax expense for financial reporting purposes without the excess tax benefit related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, if a deduction reported on a tax return for an equity-based incentive award exceeds the cumulative compensation cost for such instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes, any resulting realized tax benefit that exceeds the previously calculated and recognized compensation expense for such instruments is considered an excess tax benefit, and is recognized as a credit to additional paid-in capital, not taxes payable. The deduction related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards is available to offset taxable income, if any, on Acacia’s future consolidated tax returns. Accordingly, the noncash tax expense calculated without the benefit related to the exercise and vesting of equity-based incentive awards totaling $7,554,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was credited to additional paid-in capital, not taxes payable, and therefore does not reflect cash taxes payable. As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, taxes paid or payable totaled approximately $12,300,000, primarily comprised of foreign withholding taxes, as described above, and other state related taxes payable.

At December 31, 2011, Acacia had U.S. federal and state income tax net operating losses (“NOLs”) totaling approximately $69,062,000 and $61,493,000, expiring between 2020 and 2030, and 2015 and 2030, respectively. Utilization of NOLs and credit carryforwards can be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that may have occurred or that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as similar state provisions. 

Release of Valuation Allowance. As of December 31, 2011, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. The net deferred tax liability resulting from the acquisition of ADAPTIX created an additional source of income to utilize against Acacia’s existing consolidated net deferred tax assets. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the impact on the acquiring company’s deferred tax assets is recorded outside of acquisition accounting. In addition, the Company estimated that certain other deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credits and other state related deferreds, totaling approximately $1,900,000, were more likely than not realizable in future periods. Accordingly, the valuation allowance on the majority of Acacia’s net deferred tax assets was released, resulting in an income tax benefit of approximately $10,237,000, recorded as a credit to income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The offsetting amounts reduced net deferred tax liabilities, approximately $8,300,000 of which reduced the net deferred tax liability established in connection with the application of the acquisition method of accounting for the ADAPTIX acquisition. Refer to Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Investments in Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 146,256	$ 8,427
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	801	169
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(410)	(1,999)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	146,647	6,597
US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	143,002	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	44	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(354)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	142,692	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,254	8,427
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	757	169
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(56)	(1,999)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 3,955	$ 6,597

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The following table presents the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2012	2011
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	48,332,878	41,292,819	46,886,820	39,178,952
Dilutive effect of Equity-based Incentive Awards	—	1,565,061	908,999	1,554,861
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	48,332,878	42,857,880	47,795,819	40,733,813
Anti-dilutive Equity-based Incentive Awards excluded from the computation of diluted income per share	658,445	30,000	575,059	46,560