RPX (RPXC) 10-Q 2 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 27, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Trading Symbol	RPXC
Entity Registrant Name	RPX Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	1,509,432
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,526,433

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 228,410	$ 100,111
Short-term investments	39,045	90,877
Restricted cash	513	500
Accounts receivable, net	41,027	64,395
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,248	4,524
Total current assets	319,243	260,407
Patent assets, net	148,507	212,999
Property and equipment, net	5,691	6,948
Intangible assets, net	51,067	56,050
Goodwill	159,434	151,322
Restricted cash, less current portion	965	965
Deferred tax assets	37,410	38,261
Other assets	9,537	8,337
Total assets	731,854	735,289
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	3,081	3,197
Accrued liabilities	13,543	16,798
Deferred revenue	99,259	118,856
Current portion of long-term debt	8,349	6,474
Other current liabilities	1,244	1,484
Total current liabilities	125,476	146,809
Deferred revenue, less current portion	3,680	11,552
Deferred tax liabilities	3,819	4,023
Long-term debt, less current portion	81,535	88,110
Other liabilities	10,834	10,514
Total liabilities	225,344	261,008
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	5	5
Additional paid-in capital	374,213	360,462
Retained earnings	139,250	130,249
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(6,958)	(16,435)
Total stockholders’ equity	506,510	474,281
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 731,854	$ 735,289

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 85,702	$ 88,461	$ 248,648	$ 251,305
Cost of revenue	52,282	50,830	154,722	147,566
Selling, general and administrative expenses	22,517	23,615	66,762	76,414
Operating income	10,903	14,016	27,164	27,325
Interest income	339	162	761	348
Interest expense	(981)	(922)	(2,838)	(2,155)
Other income (expense), net	730	(490)	2,059	813
Total interest and other income (expense), net	88	(1,250)	(18)	(994)
Income before provision for income taxes	10,991	12,766	27,146	26,331
Provision for income taxes	4,625	4,651	10,595	9,829
Net income	$ 6,366	$ 8,115	$ 16,551	$ 16,502
Net income per share:
Basic (dollars per common share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.34	$ 0.32
Diluted (dollars per common share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.33	$ 0.32
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income per share:
Basic (in shares)	49,556	49,713	49,128	50,932
Diluted (in shares)	50,317	50,247	49,887	51,462

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 6,366	$ 8,115	$ 16,551	$ 16,502
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during the period, net of tax	17	(129)	152	118
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,607	(4,258)	9,325	(10,738)
Comprehensive income	$ 9,990	$ 3,728	$ 26,028	$ 5,882

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating activities
Net income	$ 16,551	$ 16,502
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	128,278	129,312
Stock-based compensation	10,875	14,097
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	(90)
Amortization of premium on investments	1,139	1,564
Deferred income taxes	799	(5,975)
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss	(1,709)	2,006
Fair value adjustments on deferred payment obligation	0	(1,920)
Gain on extinguishment of deferred payment obligation	0	(463)
Realized loss on exchange of short-term investments	0	290
Other	157	902
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquired:
Accounts receivable	24,787	(8,168)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(6,630)	(11,177)
Accounts payable	(225)	(276)
Accrued and other liabilities	(3,239)	(3,742)
Deferred revenue	(27,470)	(13,063)
Net cash provided by operating activities	143,313	119,799
Investing activities
Purchases of investments	(32,811)	(62,955)
Maturities of investments	83,335	48,073
Sales of investments	0	145,925
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired	0	(228,453)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	(13)	427
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,079)	(3,004)
Acquisitions of patent assets	(54,492)	(71,021)
Net cash used in investing activities	(5,060)	(171,008)
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of term debt	0	100,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	(2,003)
Repayment of principal on term debt	(5,000)	(2,500)
Deferred acquisition payment	0	(1,320)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,964	3,657
Taxes paid related to net-share settlements of restricted stock units	(4,526)	(3,135)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	90
Payments of capital leases	(278)	(352)
Repurchase of common stock	(6,629)	(50,752)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(10,469)	43,685
Foreign-currency effect on cash and cash equivalents	515	(291)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	128,299	(7,815)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	100,111	94,983
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	228,410	87,168
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Change in patent assets purchased and accrued but not paid	(82)	(558)
Change in fixed assets purchased and accrued but not paid	0	485
Patent assets received in barter transactions	$ 0	$ 381

Nature of Business

Nature of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature Of Business	Nature of Business RPX Corporation (also referred to herein as “RPX” or the “Company”) helps companies reduce patent litigation risk and corporate legal expense through two primary service offerings: its patent risk management services and its discovery services. The Company's patent risk management services help companies reduce patent-related risk and expense through subscription-based services that facilitate more efficient exchanges of value between owners and users of patents compared to transactions driven by actual or threatened litigation. The Company’s patent risk management membership clients pay an annual subscription fee and in return, receive access to substantially all of the Company's patent portfolio as well as an array of services provided throughout their membership. Access to these services is available primarily through discussions with the Company's professionals—particularly client relations and its team of patent experts, as well as through a proprietary database, and attendance at periodic conferences. In addition to its subscription-based patent risk management services, the Company underwrites patent infringement liability insurance policies to insure against certain costs of litigation. The Company uses a reinsurance subsidiary company to assume a portion of the underwriting risk on the insurance policies that the Company issues on behalf of a Lloyd's of London underwriting syndicate. To date, the effect of the insurance policies that the Company has assumed through its reinsurance business has not been material to the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. In January 2016, the Company acquired Inventus Solutions, Inc. ("Inventus"), now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and began offering its discovery services, which consist of technology-enabled services to assist law firms and corporate legal departments manage costs and risks related to the litigation discovery process. The Company's discovery services include data hosting and backup, data processing and collection, project management, document review, and traditional document production. All of these services are designed to streamline the administration of litigation, investigations, and regulatory compliance.

Basis of Presentation and Signi

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies	Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 , the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , are unaudited. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 , which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2017. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary to state fairly the results of the interim periods have been included in the accompanying financial statements. Operating results for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any subsequent interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2017 . Significant Accounting Policies There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , as compared to the significant accounting policies presented under the heading “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2017. In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, an option to recognize gross stock compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur, as well as certain classifications on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update became effective in the first quarter of 2017. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2017 and the standard did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09") which clarifies the changes to terms or conditions of a share-based payment award that require an entity to apply modification accounting. ASU 2017-09 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted and prospective application is required. The Company is currently evaluating impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”), which shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. For public entities, ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets: Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets . This ASU was issued to clarify the scope of the previous standard and to add guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates the two-step goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, an annual or interim goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The amendment also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and two-step goodwill impairment test. The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company will early adopt this ASU for goodwill impairment tests beginning in 2017. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. This ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will apply this guidance to applicable transactions after the adoption date. The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , as well as associated ASUs 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, 2016-20, 2017-13 (the foregoing ASUs collectively, "Topic 606"), which will supersede most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. Topic 606 becomes effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017; early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company plans to adopt Topic 606 on January 1, 2018, using the full retrospective method of adoption. This standard will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements due to the identification of multiple performance obligations from its patent risk management membership subscription and the timing of recognition for these separable performance obligations. Specifically, the Company will recognize separate performance obligations under Topic 606 for certain discrete patent assets transferred to its membership clients as well as for access to the Company's patent portfolio clients obtain when becoming a member or renewing membership. The revenue generated from these additional performance obligations will be recognized at a point in time. Under existing U.S. GAAP, the Company generally recognizes the membership fees ratably on a gross basis over the term of the customer contract. Therefore, the adoption of Topic 606 may increase the variability of the revenue recognized from the Company's patent risk management services from period to period. The Company will determine whether revenue should be recognized on a gross or net basis under Topic 606, which may result in revenue which is recognized on a gross basis under current U.S. GAAP to be recognized on a net basis under Topic 606 due to the additional separable performance obligations. Additionally, based on the Company's initial assessment, it does not expect Topic 606 to have a material impact on its discovery services segment.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share Basic and diluted net income per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, including potentially dilutive shares. Potentially dilutive shares include outstanding stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs"). The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive shares is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, an increase in the fair value of the Company's common stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive shares. The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income $ 6,366 $ 8,115 $ 16,551 $ 16,502 Denominator: Basic shares: Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share 49,556 49,713 49,128 50,932 Diluted shares: Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share 49,556 49,713 49,128 50,932 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units using the treasury-stock method 761 534 759 530 Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share 50,317 50,247 49,887 51,462 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.13 $ 0.16 $ 0.34 $ 0.32 Diluted $ 0.13 $ 0.16 $ 0.33 $ 0.32 The following securities were not included in the calculation of diluted shares outstanding as the effect would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Outstanding weighted-average: Stock options 635 739 679 782 Restricted stock units 74 1,519 375 2,253

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The following tables present the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): September 30, 2017 Amortized Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Gains Losses Cash equivalents: Commercial paper $ 24,041 $ — $ — $ 24,041 $ — $ 24,041 $ — Corporate bonds 2,009 — — 2,009 — 2,009 — Money market funds 35,714 — — 35,714 35,714 — — Municipal bonds 922 — — 922 — 922 — U.S. government and agency securities 48,303 — — 48,303 — 48,303 — $ 110,989 $ — $ — $ 110,989 $ 35,714 $ 75,275 $ — Short-term investments: Commercial paper $ 6,906 $ — $ — $ 6,906 $ — $ 6,906 $ — Corporate bonds 8,957 — (3 ) 8,954 — 8,954 — Municipal bonds 16,737 4 (2 ) 16,739 — 16,739 — U.S. government and agency securities 6,447 — (1 ) 6,446 — 6,446 — $ 39,047 $ 4 $ (6 ) $ 39,045 $ — $ 39,045 $ — December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Gains Losses Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 30,286 $ — $ — $ 30,286 $ 30,286 $ — $ — Municipal bonds 3,070 — — 3,070 — 3,070 — $ 33,356 $ — $ — $ 33,356 $ 30,286 $ 3,070 $ — Short-term investments: Commercial paper $ 4,296 $ — $ (3 ) $ 4,293 $ — $ 4,293 $ — Corporate bonds 10,856 — (13 ) 10,843 — 10,843 — Equity securities 123 — (78 ) 45 45 — — Municipal bonds 55,723 — (65 ) 55,658 — 55,658 — U.S. government and agency securities 20,033 9 (4 ) 20,038 20,038 — — $ 91,031 $ 9 $ (163 ) $ 90,877 $ 20,083 $ 70,794 $ — The Company's financial investments are generally classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included as a separate component of stockholders’ equity within accumulated other comprehensive loss. Realized gains and losses on these securities are included in other income (expense), net in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations and have not been material for all periods presented. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , approximately 100% and 96% , respectively, of the Company's marketable security investments mature within one year and nil and 4% , respectively, mature within one to five years. As of September 30, 2017 , no individual security incurred continuous unrealized losses for greater than 12 months .

Patent Assets, Net

Patent Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Patent Assets, Net [Abstract]
Patent Assets, Net	Patent Assets, Net Patent assets, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, Additions Disposals September 30, Patent assets $ 932,283 $ 54,574 $ (2,674 ) $ 984,183 Accumulated amortization (719,284 ) (118,922 ) 2,530 (835,676 ) Patent assets, net $ 212,999 $ 148,507 The Company’s acquired patent assets relate to technologies used or supplied by companies in a variety of market sectors, including consumer electronics, e-commerce, financial services, media distribution, mobile communications, networking, semiconductors, and software. The Company amortizes each acquired patent asset portfolio on a straight-line basis over its estimated economic useful life. As of September 30, 2017 , the estimated economic useful lives of the Company’s patent assets generally ranged from 24 to 60 months . As of September 30, 2017 , the weighted-average estimated economic useful life at the time of acquisition of all patent assets acquired since the Company’s inception was 40 months . Patent assets acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 had a weighted-average estimated economic useful life at the time of acquisition of 22 months . As of September 30, 2017 , the Company expects amortization expense in future periods to be as follows (in thousands): 2017 (remainder) $ 35,510 2018 81,906 2019 27,135 2020 3,956 Total estimated future amortization expense $ 148,507 Amortization expense related to the Company's patent assets was $39.5 million and $40.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $119.1 million and $119.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Internal-use software $ 8,463 $ 7,827 Leasehold improvements 2,120 2,169 Computer, equipment and software 5,879 5,204 Furniture and fixtures 755 935 Construction-in-progress 14 183 Total property and equipment, gross 17,231 16,318 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (11,540 ) (9,370 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 5,691 $ 6,948 Depreciation and amortization expense related to the Company's property and equipment was $0.8 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $2.4 million and $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	Business Combinations On January 22, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Inventus, to expand into the litigation discovery services market. The final purchase price for Inventus was approximately $232.0 million , net of working capital adjustments, which the Company paid in January 2016. The following table summarizes the cash paid and the estimated fair values of the assets and the liabilities assumed (in thousands) and the estimated useful lives of the acquired identifiable intangible assets: Estimated Fair Value Estimated Useful Life Current assets $ 19,357 Intangible assets: Customer relationships 58,000 9 - 10 years Trademarks 3,200 1 - 6 years Developed technology 6,400 3 years Goodwill 145,984 Property, plant, equipment and other long-term assets 3,347 Deferred tax asset 10,595 Current liabilities (7,280 ) Deferred tax liability (5,477 ) Other long-term liabilities (826 ) Cash purchase consideration paid $ 233,300 The intangible assets acquired are amortized on a straight-line basis which reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are expected to be utilized. The goodwill recorded is primarily attributable to the Company's opportunity to expand into the litigation discovery services market and is not deductible for tax purposes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded acquisition-related costs of $1.2 million which were expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company has included the following financial results of Inventus in its condensed consolidated financial statements (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Discovery Services Revenue $ 21,080 $ 17,987 $ 57,925 $ 47,823 Cost of revenue 11,520 9,275 31,565 24,229 Selling, general and administrative expenses 6,509 6,040 19,678 17,302 Operating income $ 3,051 $ 2,672 $ 6,682 $ 6,292 The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations for the Company and Inventus as though the companies had been consolidated as of January 1, 2015, and includes the accounting effects resulting from the acquisition including amortization charges from the acquired intangible assets, $13.5 million of transaction costs incurred which were directly attributable to the acquisition of Inventus, and elimination of interest expenses and debt issuance and extinguishment costs associated with Inventus's historical debt which was extinguished upon the Company's acquisition of Inventus. This unaudited pro forma information also adjusts for Inventus's acquisition of London-based Unified OS Limited and certain of its affiliates as well as certain assets of Kooby LLP (collectively, "Unified") as though it had been consolidated as of January 1, 2015. These accounting effects do not have any impact on the Company's 2017 financial information. The following unaudited pro forma financial information is for information purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place as of January 1, 2015 (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2016 Revenue $ 88,461 $ 254,245 Net income $ 8,115 17,091 Basic net income per share $ 0.16 0.34 Diluted net income per share $ 0.16 0.33

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by operating segment were as follows (in thousands): Patent Risk Management Discovery Services Total Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 19,978 $ 131,344 $ 151,322 Foreign currency translation adjustments — 8,112 8,112 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 19,978 $ 139,456 $ 159,434 The Company reviews goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. As of September 30, 2017 , no impairment of goodwill had been identified.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Net	Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 56,515 $ (10,209 ) $ 46,306 $ 55,719 $ (6,323 ) $ 49,396 Trademarks 2,900 (818 ) 2,082 4,879 (2,439 ) 2,440 Developed technology 6,200 (3,521 ) 2,679 5,802 (1,978 ) 3,824 Covenant not to compete — — — 1,900 (1,604 ) 296 Proprietary data and models — — — 2,100 (2,006 ) 94 $ 65,615 $ (14,548 ) $ 51,067 $ 70,400 $ (14,350 ) $ 56,050 As of September 30, 2017 , the Company expects amortization expense in future periods to be as follows (in thousands): 2017 (remainder) $ 2,133 2018 8,533 2019 6,626 2020 6,506 2021 6,506 Thereafter 20,763 Total estimated future amortization expense $ 51,067 Amortization expense related to the Company's intangible assets was $2.1 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $6.8 million and $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Accrued payroll-related expenses $ 8,481 $ 11,516 Accrued other expenses 5,062 5,282 Total accrued liabilities $ 13,543 $ 16,798

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt On February 26, 2016, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") which provided for a $100 million five -year term facility (the "Term Facility") and a $50 million five -year revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), which remains undrawn as of September 30, 2017 . The Term Facility bears interest which is payable quarterly in arrears at the Company's option equal to either a base rate plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% per annum or, at the Company's election, the one-, two-, three-, or six-month London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% per annum, based upon the ratio of the Company's debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio. The outstanding balance on the Term Facility bore interest during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 at an average interest rate of 3.5% , which approximates fair value. The Revolving Credit Facility bears a commitment fee on undrawn balances of 0.35% to 0.45% per annum, also based upon the Company's debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio, that is expensed as incurred. The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain certain leverage and fixed charge ratios. The Company is compliant with these covenants as of September 30, 2017 . The Credit Agreement also includes limitations on the Company's debt incurrence, dividend payments, and disposal activities. As of September 30, 2017 , the Term Facility requires principal repayments in accordance with the following schedule (in thousands): 2017 (remainder) $ 1,875 2018 9,375 2019 11,875 2020 18,125 2021 50,000 Long-term debt, gross 91,250 Unamortized debt issuance costs (1,366 ) Long-term debt, net $ 89,884 Reported as: Current portion of long-term debt $ 8,349 Long-term debt, less current portion 81,535 Total $ 89,884

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments The Company generally does not enter into long-term minimum purchase commitments. Its principal long-term commitments consist of obligations under operating leases for office space. In June 2017, the Company executed an amendment to its operating lease for its corporate headquarters in San Francisco. In accordance with the amendment, effective August 2017, the Company reduced its leased space by approximately 18,000 square feet of the approximately 67,000 square feet of total previously leased space, which reduces the Company's future operating lease commitments by approximately $2.4 million over the remaining lease term. Other than this change to the Company's lease obligation for its corporate headquarters, there were no material changes to the Company’s contractual obligations or commitments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to those presented under the heading “Commitments and Contingencies” in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2017. The following table summarizes rent expense related to non-cancelable operating leases (in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Rent expense $ 1.5 $ 1.6 $ 4.6 $ 4.3 Sublease income (0.3 ) (0.2 ) (0.8 ) (0.5 ) Rent expense, net of sublease income $ 1.2 $ 1.4 $ 3.8 $ 3.8 Litigation From time to time, the Company may be a party to various litigation claims in the normal course of business. Legal fees and other costs associated with such actions are expensed as incurred. The Company assesses, in conjunction with its legal counsel, the need to record a liability for litigation or contingencies. A liability is recorded when and if it is determined that such a liability for litigation or contingencies is both probable and reasonably estimable. No liability for litigation or contingencies was recorded as of September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016 . In April 2016, Sourceprose Corporation filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas against the Company alleging breach of an agreement with the plaintiff to purchase certain patent assets and breach of a non-disclosure agreement with plaintiff. In July 2016, the Court transferred the litigation to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. In November 2016, the Company moved to dismiss the claims of breach of an assignment of patents. In January 2017, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California dismissed the claims of breach of a patent assignment without prejudice, and allowed the plaintiff to file an amended complaint. The plaintiff filed an amended complaint in February 2017, alleging breach of a non-disclosure agreement, breach of an agreement to assign patents and a breach of a settlement agreement. In March 2017, the Company moved to dismiss all of the plaintiff’s claims, and the court granted-in-part and denied-in-part the motion, allowing the plaintiff leave to amend the complaint. The plaintiff filed a third amended complaint in May 2017, again alleging breach of an agreement with the plaintiff to purchase certain patent assets and breach of a non-disclosure agreement. RPX answered the third amended complaint in June 2017, and the case proceeded to the discovery phase. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was not able to determine the potential loss that may have resulted from this litigation. In October 2017, the parties agreed to a confidential settlement pursuant to which all claims were subsequently dismissed. The settlement does not have a material impact to the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In June 2013, Kevin O’Halloran, as Trustee of the Liquidating Trust of Tectonics, Inc. (the “Debtor”), filed a complaint in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida against the Company and Harris Corporation (the “Defendants”). The complaint alleges that the Defendants are liable under federal and state bankruptcy law regarding fraudulent transfers for the value of a patent portfolio purchased by the Company from Harris Corporation pursuant to an agreement entered into in January 2009, and within four years of the date the Debtor filed its petition in bankruptcy. In February 2015, the Court held a trial and in November 2015 entered judgment in favor of the Defendants. In December 2015, the Debtor filed an appeal of the judgment to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. In August 2016, the District Court affirmed the judgment in favor of the Defendants. In September 2016, the Debtor filed an appeal of the judgment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The appellate briefing was completed in January 2017, and the oral argument is scheduled for December 14, 2017. The Company is not currently able to determine whether there is a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred, nor can it estimate the potential loss or range of the potential loss that may result from this litigation. In March 2012, Cascades Computer Innovations LLC filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (the “Court”) against the Company and five of its clients (collectively the “Defendants”). The complaint alleges that the Defendants violated federal antitrust law, California antitrust law and California unfair competition law. The complaint further alleges that after the Company terminated its negotiations with the plaintiff to license certain patents held by the plaintiff, the Defendants violated the law by jointly refusing to negotiate or accept licenses under the plaintiff’s patents. The plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. In January 2013, the Court dismissed the complaint against the Defendants and granted the plaintiff leave to amend its complaint. In February 2013, the plaintiff filed an amended lawsuit alleging that the Defendants violated federal antitrust law, California antitrust law and California unfair competition law. In April 2016, the Court entered a final judgment in favor of the Defendants on all the plaintiff's claims. In April 2016, the plaintiff filed an appeal of the judgment. The appellate briefing was completed in November 2016, and oral argument is scheduled for November 14, 2017. The Company is not currently able to determine whether there is a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred, nor can it estimate the potential loss or range of the potential loss that may result from this litigation. Guarantees and Indemnifications The Company has, in connection with the sale of patent assets, agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the buyer of such patent assets for losses resulting from breaches of representations and warranties made by the Company. The terms of these indemnification agreements are generally perpetual. The maximum amount of potential future indemnification is unlimited. To date, the Company has not paid any amount to settle claims or defend lawsuits. The Company is unable to reasonably estimate the maximum amount that could be payable under these arrangements since these obligations are not capped but are conditional to the unique facts and circumstances involved. No liability was recorded for these agreements as of September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016 . The Company has no reason to believe that there is any material liability related to such indemnification provisions. The Company does not indemnify its clients for patent infringement. As part of the Company's discovery services offering, the Company generally warrants that it will perform the services in good faith and in a timely and professional manner, and that it will exercise the same level of professional care commonly found in the industry. Additionally, the Company has agreed to provisions for indemnifying customers against liabilities if its discovery services infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights or if it breaches agreed privacy, security and/or confidentiality obligations. To date, the Company has not incurred any material costs, and it has not accrued any liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, as a result of these obligations. The Company also enters into service-level agreements with its discovery services clients that specify required levels of application uptime and may permit customers to receive credits or to terminate their agreements in the event that the Company fails to meet required performance levels. To date, the Company has not experienced any significant failures to meet defined levels of performance and, as a result, has not accrued any liabilities related to these agreements in its condensed consolidated financial statements. In accordance with its amended and restated bylaws, the Company also indemnifies certain officers and employees for losses incurred in connection with actions, suits, or proceedings threatened or brought against such officer or employee arising from his or her service to the Company as an officer or employee, subject to certain limitations. The term of the indemnification period is indefinite. The maximum amount of potential future indemnification is unspecified. The Company has no reason to believe that there is any material liability for actions, events, or occurrences that have occurred to date. Reserves for Known and Incurred but not Reported Claims The Company offers patent litigation insurance that covers certain costs associated with patent infringement lawsuits, and it assumes a portion of the underwriting risk on these insurance policies that it issues on behalf of a Lloyd's of London underwriting syndicate. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company recorded a reserve of $1.2 million and $0.9 million , respectively, for known and incurred but not reported claims that represent estimated claim costs and related expenses for the policies underwritten and its portion of the underwriting risk on policies that the Company issued on behalf of the Lloyd's of London underwriting syndicate. The Company regularly reviews loss reserves using a variety of actuarial techniques and updates them as its loss experience develops.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Stockholders Equity and Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Equity Plans A summary of the Company’s activity under its equity-settled award plans and related information is as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Options Outstanding Shares Available for Grant Number of Shares Weighted-average Exercise Price Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance - December 31, 2016 3,586 1,768 $ 11.63 Shares authorized (1) 1,000 — — Options exercised — (690 ) 8.64 Options forfeited/canceled 99 (99 ) 16.16 Restricted stock units granted (1,975 ) — — Restricted stock units forfeited 1,338 — — Restricted stock units withheld related to net-share settlement of restricted stock units 361 — — Balance - September 30, 2017 4,409 979 13.29 3.6 $ 2,338 Vested and exercisable - September 30, 2017 979 13.29 3.6 2,338 ( 1) In the first quarter of 2017 , the Company reserved an additional 1.0 million shares of its common stock for future issuance under the 2011 Plan. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $0.2 million and $0.5 million , respectively, and $2.8 million and $0.8 million for stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The total grant date fair value of stock options vested during the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $0.2 million , and $1.2 million for stock options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . No stock options vested during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2017 , and as of September 30, 2017 , all options issued and outstanding were fully vested. Restricted Stock Units The summary of RSU activity, which includes performance-based restricted stock units (“PBRSUs”), is as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value Non-vested units - December 31, 2016 3,424 $ 11.53 Granted 1,975 11.83 Vested (1,042 ) 12.16 Forfeited (1,338 ) 10.41 Non-vested units - September 30, 2017 3,019 11.94 $ 40,089 The total grant date fair value of RSUs vested during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $3.7 million and $2.9 million , respectively, and $13.1 million and $9.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. In October 2013, the Board of Directors approved net-share settlement for tax withholdings on RSU vesting. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company withheld issuing 361,376 shares of its common stock based on the value of the RSUs on their vesting dates as determined by the Company’s closing common stock price. Total payments to taxing authorities for employees’ minimum tax obligations were $4.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , and were recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital and reflected as a financing activity within the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The net-share settlements reduced the number of shares that would have otherwise been issued on the vesting date and increased the number of shares reserved for future issuance under the 2011 Plan. Stock-Based Compensation Related to Employees and Directors The fair value of RSUs granted to employees and directors is measured by reference to the fair value of the underlying shares on the date of grant. PBRSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 contain service, performance, and/or market conditions that affect the quantity of awards that will vest. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company granted 102,790 and 115,657 PBRSUs, respectively. The Company estimates the grant date fair value of PBRSUs which include market conditions using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of PBRSUs with market conditions and the resulting fair values are as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Dividend yield — % — % Risk-free rate 1.03 % 1.08 % Expected volatility 32 % 38 % Expected term - in years 1 4 Grant date fair value $ 11.95 $ 6.28 Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options granted to employees and directors was nil and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and nil and $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Stock-based compensation expense related to PBRSUs and RSUs granted to employees and directors was $3.8 million and $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $10.9 million and $13.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. As of September 30, 2017 , there was $31.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, including PBRSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years. Future grants of equity awards will increase the amount of stock-based compensation expense to be recorded. Stock Repurchase Program On February 10, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $75.0 million of its outstanding common stock with no expiration date from the date of authorization. In March 2016 and May 2016, the Company increased its share repurchase program by $25.0 million and $50.0 million , respectively, for a total amount authorized of $150.0 million . As of September 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased $92.9 million of the outstanding common stock. Under the program, shares may be purchased in open market transactions, including through block purchases, through privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time for any reason. The Company’s share repurchase program does not obligate it to acquire any specific number of shares. The Company repurchased shares of its common stock in the open market, which were retired upon repurchase. The purchase price for the repurchased shares is reflected as a reduction to common stock and retained earnings in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet. Share repurchase activity during the period presented was as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Shares Repurchased Average Price per Share Value of Shares Repurchased Cumulative repurchase activity as of December 31, 2016 7,917 $ 10.90 $ 86,276 Repurchase activity during the period 573 11.56 6,629 Cumulative repurchase activity as of September 30, 2017 8,490 $ 10.94 $ 92,905

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company uses an estimated annual effective tax rate based upon a projection of its annual fiscal year results to measure the income tax benefit or expense recognized in each interim period. The Company’s effective tax rate, including the impact of discrete items, was 42% and 36% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 39% and 37% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company's 2014 through 2016 tax periods remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and the 2012 through 2016 tax periods remain open to examination by most state tax authorities. The Internal Revenue Service's examination of Inventus's federal income tax return for fiscal year 2013 was closed during the three months ended March 31, 2017 with no material adjustments. The Company's 2015 through 2016 tax periods remain open to examination in the United Kingdom.

Related-Party Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Transactions	Related-Party Transactions During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , three and four members, respectively, of the Company’s Board of Directors also served on the boards of directors of RPX clients. During both nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , four members of the Company’s Board of Directors also served on the boards of directors of RPX clients. The Company recognized the following from these clients (in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenue $ 0.8 $ 2.4 $ 6.6 $ 7.3 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 0.1 $ 0.2 $ 0.4 $ 0.6 As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there were $0.3 million and $1.3 million receivables, respectively, due from these clients.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available. Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to the acquisition of Inventus in January 2016, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer reviewed financial information presented on a consolidated basis and, as a result, the Company concluded that there was only one operating and reportable segment at that time. Subsequent to the acquisition of Inventus (see Note 7, Business Combinations), the Company's Chief Executive Officer reviews separate financial information for the patent risk management and discovery services businesses. Therefore, as of January 2016, the Company has two reportable segments: 1) patent risk management which generates its revenues primarily from membership subscriptions, premiums earned from insurance policies, and management fees for marketing, underwriting, and claim management and 2) discovery services which generates its revenues primarily from fees generated for data collection, hosting and processing, project management, and document review services. There are no material internal revenue transactions between these two reportable segments. Although adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance determined in accordance with GAAP, the Company's chief operating decision maker evaluates segment financial performance by utilizing the segment's adjusted EBITDA because the Company believes it is a useful supplemental measure that reflects core operating performance and provides an indicator of the segment's ability to generate cash. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as net income exclusive of provision for income taxes, interest and other income (expense), net, stock-based compensation and related employer payroll taxes, depreciation, and amortization. There are limitations in using the Company's measures of financial performance that are not determined in accordance with GAAP and these may be different from other financial measures not determined in accordance with GAAP used by other companies. These financial measures are limited in value because they exclude certain items that may have a material impact on the Company's reported financial results. In addition, they are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgment by the Company about which items are adjusted to calculate its financial measures not determined in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of financial measures not determined in accordance with GAAP should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial results determined in accordance with GAAP. Summarized financial information by segment utilized by the Company's chief operating decision maker is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Patent Risk Management Revenue $ 64,622 $ 70,474 $ 190,723 $ 203,482 Cost of revenue 40,762 41,555 123,157 123,337 Selling, general and administrative expenses 16,008 17,575 47,084 59,112 Operating income 7,852 11,344 20,482 21,033 Stock-based compensation, including related taxes 3,372 4,205 9,905 13,974 Depreciation and amortization 39,934 41,226 120,928 122,402 Adjusted EBITDA $ 51,158 $ 56,775 $ 151,315 $ 157,409 Discovery Services Revenue $ 21,080 $ 17,987 $ 57,925 $ 47,823 Cost of revenue 11,520 9,275 31,565 24,229 Selling, general and administrative expenses 6,509 6,040 19,678 17,302 Operating income 3,051 2,672 6,682 6,292 Stock-based compensation, including related taxes 485 136 1,306 365 Depreciation and amortization 2,489 2,499 7,350 6,910 Adjusted EBITDA $ 6,025 $ 5,307 $ 15,338 $ 13,567 Consolidated Revenue $ 85,702 $ 88,461 $ 248,648 $ 251,305 Cost of revenue 52,282 50,830 154,722 147,566 Selling, general and administrative expenses 22,517 23,615 66,762 76,414 Operating income $ 10,903 $ 14,016 $ 27,164 $ 27,325 The following table reconciles the Company's subtotal segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated net income (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Subtotal segment adjusted EBITDA $ 57,183 $ 62,082 $ 166,653 $ 170,976 Depreciation and amortization (42,423 ) (43,725 ) (128,278 ) (129,312 ) Stock-based compensation, including related taxes (3,857 ) (4,341 ) (11,211 ) (14,339 ) Interest and other income (expense), net 88 (1,250 ) (18 ) (994 ) Provision for income taxes (4,625 ) (4,651 ) (10,595 ) (9,829 ) Net income $ 6,366 $ 8,115 $ 16,551 $ 16,502 The following table summarizes the Company's total assets by segment (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Patent risk management $ 483,311 $ 501,540 Discovery services (1) 248,543 233,749 Total assets $ 731,854 $ 735,289 (1) Includes goodwill and intangible assets acquired through the Company's acquisition of Inventus in January 2016. The Company markets its solutions to companies around the world. Revenue is attributed to geographic areas based on the country in which the client is domiciled. The following table presents revenue by location and revenue generated by country as a percentage of total revenue for the applicable period, for countries representing 10% or more of revenues for one or more of the periods presented (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 United States $ 50,006 58 % $ 50,068 57 % $ 146,672 59 % $ 144,720 58 % Germany 8,790 10 6,018 7 22,699 9 13,569 5 Japan 8,727 10 11,192 13 26,367 11 29,105 12 Rest of world 18,179 22 21,183 23 52,910 21 63,911 25 Total revenue $ 85,702 100 % $ 88,461 100 % $ 248,648 100 % $ 251,305 100 %

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On October 26, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, the first of which is payable on December 5, 2017, to shareholders of record on November 20, 2017. On October 30, 2017, the Company announced that it will be repaying its Term Facility (see Note 11, Debt) in full in the fourth quarter of 2017. The original terms of the five-year Term Facility entered into in February 2016 required quarterly repayments through 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Company will not incur any early termination costs by early repayment of this facility. The Revolving Credit Facility will remain available for the Company to utilize, and therefore the Company is required to be compliant with the covenants in Credit Agreement as described in Note 11, Debt.

Basis of Presentation and Sig23

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 , the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , are unaudited. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 , which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2017. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary to state fairly the results of the interim periods have been included in the accompanying financial statements. Operating results for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any subsequent interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2017 .
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09") which clarifies the changes to terms or conditions of a share-based payment award that require an entity to apply modification accounting. ASU 2017-09 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted and prospective application is required. The Company is currently evaluating impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”), which shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. For public entities, ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets: Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets . This ASU was issued to clarify the scope of the previous standard and to add guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates the two-step goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, an annual or interim goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The amendment also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and two-step goodwill impairment test. The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company will early adopt this ASU for goodwill impairment tests beginning in 2017. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. This ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will apply this guidance to applicable transactions after the adoption date. The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , as well as associated ASUs 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, 2016-20, 2017-13 (the foregoing ASUs collectively, "Topic 606"), which will supersede most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. Topic 606 becomes effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017; early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company plans to adopt Topic 606 on January 1, 2018, using the full retrospective method of adoption. This standard will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements due to the identification of multiple performance obligations from its patent risk management membership subscription and the timing of recognition for these separable performance obligations. Specifically, the Company will recognize separate performance obligations under Topic 606 for certain discrete patent assets transferred to its membership clients as well as for access to the Company's patent portfolio clients obtain when becoming a member or renewing membership. The revenue generated from these additional performance obligations will be recognized at a point in time. Under existing U.S. GAAP, the Company generally recognizes the membership fees ratably on a gross basis over the term of the customer contract. Therefore, the adoption of Topic 606 may increase the variability of the revenue recognized from the Company's patent risk management services from period to period. The Company will determine whether revenue should be recognized on a gross or net basis under Topic 606, which may result in revenue which is recognized on a gross basis under current U.S. GAAP to be recognized on a net basis under Topic 606 due to the additional separable performance obligations. Additionally, based on the Company's initial assessment, it does not expect Topic 606 to have a material impact on its discovery services segment.

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share Available To Common Stockholders	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income $ 6,366 $ 8,115 $ 16,551 $ 16,502 Denominator: Basic shares: Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share 49,556 49,713 49,128 50,932 Diluted shares: Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share 49,556 49,713 49,128 50,932 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units using the treasury-stock method 761 534 759 530 Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share 50,317 50,247 49,887 51,462 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.13 $ 0.16 $ 0.34 $ 0.32 Diluted $ 0.13 $ 0.16 $ 0.33 $ 0.32
Anti-Dilutive Securities Not Included In Diluted Shares Outstanding Calculation	The following securities were not included in the calculation of diluted shares outstanding as the effect would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Outstanding weighted-average: Stock options 635 739 679 782 Restricted stock units 74 1,519 375 2,253

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following tables present the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): September 30, 2017 Amortized Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Gains Losses Cash equivalents: Commercial paper $ 24,041 $ — $ — $ 24,041 $ — $ 24,041 $ — Corporate bonds 2,009 — — 2,009 — 2,009 — Money market funds 35,714 — — 35,714 35,714 — — Municipal bonds 922 — — 922 — 922 — U.S. government and agency securities 48,303 — — 48,303 — 48,303 — $ 110,989 $ — $ — $ 110,989 $ 35,714 $ 75,275 $ — Short-term investments: Commercial paper $ 6,906 $ — $ — $ 6,906 $ — $ 6,906 $ — Corporate bonds 8,957 — (3 ) 8,954 — 8,954 — Municipal bonds 16,737 4 (2 ) 16,739 — 16,739 — U.S. government and agency securities 6,447 — (1 ) 6,446 — 6,446 — $ 39,047 $ 4 $ (6 ) $ 39,045 $ — $ 39,045 $ — December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Gains Losses Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 30,286 $ — $ — $ 30,286 $ 30,286 $ — $ — Municipal bonds 3,070 — — 3,070 — 3,070 — $ 33,356 $ — $ — $ 33,356 $ 30,286 $ 3,070 $ — Short-term investments: Commercial paper $ 4,296 $ — $ (3 ) $ 4,293 $ — $ 4,293 $ — Corporate bonds 10,856 — (13 ) 10,843 — 10,843 — Equity securities 123 — (78 ) 45 45 — — Municipal bonds 55,723 — (65 ) 55,658 — 55,658 — U.S. government and agency securities 20,033 9 (4 ) 20,038 20,038 — — $ 91,031 $ 9 $ (163 ) $ 90,877 $ 20,083 $ 70,794 $ —
Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Gains Losses Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 30,286 $ — $ — $ 30,286 $ 30,286 $ — $ — Municipal bonds 3,070 — — 3,070 — 3,070 — $ 33,356 $ — $ — $ 33,356 $ 30,286 $ 3,070 $ — Short-term investments: Commercial paper $ 4,296 $ — $ (3 ) $ 4,293 $ — $ 4,293 $ — Corporate bonds 10,856 — (13 ) 10,843 — 10,843 — Equity securities 123 — (78 ) 45 45 — — Municipal bonds 55,723 — (65 ) 55,658 — 55,658 — U.S. government and agency securities 20,033 9 (4 ) 20,038 20,038 — — $ 91,031 $ 9 $ (163 ) $ 90,877 $ 20,083 $ 70,794 $ —

Patent Assets, Net (Tables)

Patent Assets, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Patent Assets, Net [Abstract]
Patent Assets, Net	Patent assets, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, Additions Disposals September 30, Patent assets $ 932,283 $ 54,574 $ (2,674 ) $ 984,183 Accumulated amortization (719,284 ) (118,922 ) 2,530 (835,676 ) Patent assets, net $ 212,999 $ 148,507
Expected Future Annual Amortization Of Patent Assets	As of September 30, 2017 , the Company expects amortization expense in future periods to be as follows (in thousands): 2017 (remainder) $ 35,510 2018 81,906 2019 27,135 2020 3,956 Total estimated future amortization expense $ 148,507

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Property And Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Internal-use software $ 8,463 $ 7,827 Leasehold improvements 2,120 2,169 Computer, equipment and software 5,879 5,204 Furniture and fixtures 755 935 Construction-in-progress 14 183 Total property and equipment, gross 17,231 16,318 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (11,540 ) (9,370 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 5,691 $ 6,948

Business Combinations (Tables)

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions	The following table summarizes the cash paid and the estimated fair values of the assets and the liabilities assumed (in thousands) and the estimated useful lives of the acquired identifiable intangible assets: Estimated Fair Value Estimated Useful Life Current assets $ 19,357 Intangible assets: Customer relationships 58,000 9 - 10 years Trademarks 3,200 1 - 6 years Developed technology 6,400 3 years Goodwill 145,984 Property, plant, equipment and other long-term assets 3,347 Deferred tax asset 10,595 Current liabilities (7,280 ) Deferred tax liability (5,477 ) Other long-term liabilities (826 ) Cash purchase consideration paid $ 233,300
Schedule of proforma information	The following unaudited pro forma financial information is for information purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place as of January 1, 2015 (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2016 Revenue $ 88,461 $ 254,245 Net income $ 8,115 17,091 Basic net income per share $ 0.16 0.34 Diluted net income per share $ 0.16 0.33

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by operating segment were as follows (in thousands): Patent Risk Management Discovery Services Total Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 19,978 $ 131,344 $ 151,322 Foreign currency translation adjustments — 8,112 8,112 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 19,978 $ 139,456 $ 159,434

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Net	Intangible assets, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 56,515 $ (10,209 ) $ 46,306 $ 55,719 $ (6,323 ) $ 49,396 Trademarks 2,900 (818 ) 2,082 4,879 (2,439 ) 2,440 Developed technology 6,200 (3,521 ) 2,679 5,802 (1,978 ) 3,824 Covenant not to compete — — — 1,900 (1,604 ) 296 Proprietary data and models — — — 2,100 (2,006 ) 94 $ 65,615 $ (14,548 ) $ 51,067 $ 70,400 $ (14,350 ) $ 56,050
Expected Future Annual Amortization Of Intangible Assets	As of September 30, 2017 , the Company expects amortization expense in future periods to be as follows (in thousands): 2017 (remainder) $ 35,510 2018 81,906 2019 27,135 2020 3,956 Total estimated future amortization expense $ 148,507
Intangible Assets Net
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expected Future Annual Amortization Of Intangible Assets	As of September 30, 2017 , the Company expects amortization expense in future periods to be as follows (in thousands): 2017 (remainder) $ 2,133 2018 8,533 2019 6,626 2020 6,506 2021 6,506 Thereafter 20,763 Total estimated future amortization expense $ 51,067

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Accrued payroll-related expenses $ 8,481 $ 11,516 Accrued other expenses 5,062 5,282 Total accrued liabilities $ 13,543 $ 16,798

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of repayments of principal	As of September 30, 2017 , the Term Facility requires principal repayments in accordance with the following schedule (in thousands): 2017 (remainder) $ 1,875 2018 9,375 2019 11,875 2020 18,125 2021 50,000 Long-term debt, gross 91,250 Unamortized debt issuance costs (1,366 ) Long-term debt, net $ 89,884 Reported as: Current portion of long-term debt $ 8,349 Long-term debt, less current portion 81,535 Total $ 89,884

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-cancelable operating leases	The following table summarizes rent expense related to non-cancelable operating leases (in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Rent expense $ 1.5 $ 1.6 $ 4.6 $ 4.3 Sublease income (0.3 ) (0.2 ) (0.8 ) (0.5 ) Rent expense, net of sublease income $ 1.2 $ 1.4 $ 3.8 $ 3.8

Stockholders_ Equity (Tables)

Stockholders’ Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Stockholders Equity and Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Repurchase Agreements	The Company repurchased shares of its common stock in the open market, which were retired upon repurchase. The purchase price for the repurchased shares is reflected as a reduction to common stock and retained earnings in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet. Share repurchase activity during the period presented was as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Shares Repurchased Average Price per Share Value of Shares Repurchased Cumulative repurchase activity as of December 31, 2016 7,917 $ 10.90 $ 86,276 Repurchase activity during the period 573 11.56 6,629 Cumulative repurchase activity as of September 30, 2017 8,490 $ 10.94 $ 92,905
Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The summary of RSU activity, which includes performance-based restricted stock units (“PBRSUs”), is as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value Non-vested units - December 31, 2016 3,424 $ 11.53 Granted 1,975 11.83 Vested (1,042 ) 12.16 Forfeited (1,338 ) 10.41 Non-vested units - September 30, 2017 3,019 11.94 $ 40,089
Valuation Assumptions	The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of PBRSUs with market conditions and the resulting fair values are as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Dividend yield — % — % Risk-free rate 1.03 % 1.08 % Expected volatility 32 % 38 % Expected term - in years 1 4 Grant date fair value $ 11.95 $ 6.28
Activity Under Equity Settled Award Plans And Related Information	A summary of the Company’s activity under its equity-settled award plans and related information is as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Options Outstanding Shares Available for Grant Number of Shares Weighted-average Exercise Price Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance - December 31, 2016 3,586 1,768 $ 11.63 Shares authorized (1) 1,000 — — Options exercised — (690 ) 8.64 Options forfeited/canceled 99 (99 ) 16.16 Restricted stock units granted (1,975 ) — — Restricted stock units forfeited 1,338 — — Restricted stock units withheld related to net-share settlement of restricted stock units 361 — — Balance - September 30, 2017 4,409 979 13.29 3.6 $ 2,338 Vested and exercisable - September 30, 2017 979 13.29 3.6 2,338 ( 1) In the first quarter of 2017 , the Company reserved an additional 1.0 million shares of its common stock for future issuance under the 2011 Plan.

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following table reconciles the Company's subtotal segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated net income (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Subtotal segment adjusted EBITDA $ 57,183 $ 62,082 $ 166,653 $ 170,976 Depreciation and amortization (42,423 ) (43,725 ) (128,278 ) (129,312 ) Stock-based compensation, including related taxes (3,857 ) (4,341 ) (11,211 ) (14,339 ) Interest and other income (expense), net 88 (1,250 ) (18 ) (994 ) Provision for income taxes (4,625 ) (4,651 ) (10,595 ) (9,829 ) Net income $ 6,366 $ 8,115 $ 16,551 $ 16,502 The following table summarizes the Company's total assets by segment (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Patent risk management $ 483,311 $ 501,540 Discovery services (1) 248,543 233,749 Total assets $ 731,854 $ 735,289 (1) Includes goodwill and intangible assets acquired through the Company's acquisition of Inventus in January 2016. Summarized financial information by segment utilized by the Company's chief operating decision maker is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Patent Risk Management Revenue $ 64,622 $ 70,474 $ 190,723 $ 203,482 Cost of revenue 40,762 41,555 123,157 123,337 Selling, general and administrative expenses 16,008 17,575 47,084 59,112 Operating income 7,852 11,344 20,482 21,033 Stock-based compensation, including related taxes 3,372 4,205 9,905 13,974 Depreciation and amortization 39,934 41,226 120,928 122,402 Adjusted EBITDA $ 51,158 $ 56,775 $ 151,315 $ 157,409 Discovery Services Revenue $ 21,080 $ 17,987 $ 57,925 $ 47,823 Cost of revenue 11,520 9,275 31,565 24,229 Selling, general and administrative expenses 6,509 6,040 19,678 17,302 Operating income 3,051 2,672 6,682 6,292 Stock-based compensation, including related taxes 485 136 1,306 365 Depreciation and amortization 2,489 2,499 7,350 6,910 Adjusted EBITDA $ 6,025 $ 5,307 $ 15,338 $ 13,567 Consolidated Revenue $ 85,702 $ 88,461 $ 248,648 $ 251,305 Cost of revenue 52,282 50,830 154,722 147,566 Selling, general and administrative expenses 22,517 23,615 66,762 76,414 Operating income $ 10,903 $ 14,016 $ 27,164 $ 27,325 The following table reconciles the Company's subtotal segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated net income (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Subtotal segment adjusted EBITDA $ 57,183 $ 62,082 $ 166,653 $ 170,976 Depreciation and amortization (42,423 ) (43,725 ) (128,278 ) (129,312 ) Stock-based compensation, including related taxes (3,857 ) (4,341 ) (11,211 ) (14,339 ) Interest and other income (expense), net 88 (1,250 ) (18 ) (994 ) Provision for income taxes (4,625 ) (4,651 ) (10,595 ) (9,829 ) Net income $ 6,366 $ 8,115 $ 16,551 $ 16,502
Revenue By Location	The following table presents revenue by location and revenue generated by country as a percentage of total revenue for the applicable period, for countries representing 10% or more of revenues for one or more of the periods presented (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 United States $ 50,006 58 % $ 50,068 57 % $ 146,672 59 % $ 144,720 58 % Germany 8,790 10 6,018 7 22,699 9 13,569 5 Japan 8,727 10 11,192 13 26,367 11 29,105 12 Rest of world 18,179 22 21,183 23 52,910 21 63,911 25 Total revenue $ 85,702 100 % $ 88,461 100 % $ 248,648 100 % $ 251,305 100 %

Net Income Per Share (Detail) -

Net Income Per Share (Detail) - Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share Available To Common Stockholders - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Numerator:
Net income	$ 6,366	$ 8,115	$ 16,551	$ 16,502
Basic shares:
Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	49,556	49,713	49,128	50,932
Diluted shares:
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units using the treasury-stock method	761	534	759	530
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	50,317	50,247	49,887	51,462
Net income per share:
Basic (dollars per common share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.34	$ 0.32
Diluted (dollars per common share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.33	$ 0.32

Net Income Per Share (Detail)37

Net Income Per Share (Detail) - Anti-Dilutive Securities Not Included In Diluted Shares Outstanding Calculation - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Stock options
Outstanding weighted-average:
Weighted-average anti-dilutive securities	635	739	679	782
Restricted stock units
Outstanding weighted-average:
Weighted-average anti-dilutive securities	74	1,519	375	2,253

Financial Instruments (Detail)

Financial Instruments (Detail) - Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 110,989	$ 33,356
Short-term investments, amortized cost	39,047	91,031
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	4	9
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(6)	(163)
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value	39,045	90,877
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	35,714	30,286
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	0	20,083
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	75,275	3,070
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	39,045	70,794
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	0	0
Commercial paper
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	24,041
Commercial paper | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0
Commercial paper | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	24,041
Commercial paper | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, amortized cost	2,009
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value	2,009
Corporate bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value	0
Corporate bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value	2,009
Corporate bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value	0
Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	35,714	30,286
Money market funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	35,714	30,286
Money market funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Money market funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Municipal bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	922	3,070
Municipal bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Municipal bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	922	3,070
Municipal bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
U.S. government and agency securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	48,303
U.S. government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0
U.S. government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	48,303
U.S. government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0
Municipal bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, amortized cost	16,737	55,723
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	4	0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(2)	(65)
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value	16,739	55,658
Municipal bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	0	0
Municipal bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	16,739	55,658
Municipal bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	0	0
Commercial paper
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, amortized cost	6,906	4,296
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	0	0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	0	(3)
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value	6,906	4,293
Commercial paper | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	0	0
Commercial paper | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	6,906	4,293
Commercial paper | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	0	0
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, amortized cost	8,957	10,856
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	0	0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(3)	(13)
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value	8,954	10,843
Corporate bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	0	0
Corporate bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	8,954	10,843
Corporate bonds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	0	0
U.S. government and agency securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, amortized cost	6,447	20,033
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	0	9
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(1)	(4)
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value	6,446	20,038
U.S. government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	0	20,038
U.S. government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	6,446	0
U.S. government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	$ 0	0
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, amortized cost		123
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		(78)
Short-term investments, total estimated fair value		45
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value		45
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value		0
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments, estimated fair value		$ 0

Financial Instruments (Detail)

Financial Instruments (Detail)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of marketable securities investments maturing within one year	100.00%	100.00%	96.00%
Percentage of marketable securities investments maturing within one to five years	0.00%	0.00%	4.00%
Minimum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Maturity term within one year (in years)		1 year	1 year
Maturity term within one to five years (in years)	1 year		1 year
Maximum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Maturity term within one to five years (in years)	5 years		5 years

Patent Assets, Net (Detail)

Patent Assets, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization - Additions	$ 2,100	$ 2,500	$ 6,800	$ 7,200
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization - Additions			118,922
Amortization expense	$ 39,500	$ 40,400	$ 119,100	$ 119,900
Remaining weighted average amortization period			22 months
Minimum | Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Patent assets, useful life			24 months
Maximum | Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Patent assets, useful life			60 months
Weighted Average | Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Patent assets, useful life			40 months

Patent Assets, Net (Detail) - P

Patent Assets, Net (Detail) - Patent Assets, Net - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Patent assets, beginning balance			$ 70,400
Patent assets - Additions			54,492	$ 71,021
Patent assets, ending balance	$ 65,615		65,615
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance			(14,350)
Accumulated amortization - Additions	(2,100)	$ (2,500)	(6,800)	(7,200)
Accumulated amortization, ending balance	(14,548)		(14,548)
Patent assets, net	148,507		148,507		$ 212,999
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	39,500	$ 40,400	119,100	$ 119,900
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Patent assets, beginning balance			932,283
Patent assets - Additions			54,574
Patent assets - Sales			(2,674)
Patent assets, ending balance	984,183		984,183
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance			(719,284)
Accumulated amortization - Additions			(118,922)
Accumulated amortization - Sales			2,530
Accumulated amortization, ending balance	(835,676)		(835,676)
Patent assets, net	$ 148,507		$ 148,507		$ 212,999
Minimum | Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life			24 months
Maximum | Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life			60 months
Weighted Average | Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life			40 months

Patent Assets, Net (Detail) - E

Patent Assets, Net (Detail) - Expected Future Annual Amortization Expense Of Patent Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2017 (remainder)	$ 2,133
2,018	8,533
2,019	6,626
2,020	6,506
Patent assets, net	148,507	$ 212,999
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2017 (remainder)	35,510
2,018	81,906
2,019	27,135
2,020	3,956
Patent assets, net	$ 148,507	$ 212,999

Property and Equipment, Net (De

Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 42,423	$ 43,725	$ 128,278	$ 129,312
Property and equipment, types
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 800	$ 900	$ 2,400	$ 2,200

Property and Equipment, Net (44

Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) - Property And Equipment, Net - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	$ 17,231	$ 16,318
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(11,540)	(9,370)
Total property and equipment, net	5,691	6,948
Internal-use software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Internal-use software	8,463	7,827
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Leasehold improvements	2,120	2,169
Computer, equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Computer, equipment and software	5,879	5,204
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Furniture and fixtures	755	935
Construction-in-progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction-in-progress	$ 14	$ 183

Business Combinations - Narrati

Business Combinations - Narrative and Schedule of Business Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 22, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 232,000
Revenue		$ 85,702	$ 88,461	$ 248,648	$ 251,305
Operating income (loss)		10,903	14,016	27,164	27,325
Discovery Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		19,357		19,357
Property, plant, equipment and other long-term assets		3,347		3,347
Deferred tax asset		10,595		10,595
Current liabilities		(7,280)		(7,280)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent		(5,477)		(5,477)
Other long-term liabilities		(826)		(826)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 233,300
Discovery Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs					1,200
Transaction costs		13,500		13,500
Discovery Services | Operating Segments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period				145,984
Revenue		21,080	17,987	57,925	47,823
Operating income (loss)		3,051	$ 2,672	6,682	$ 6,292
Customer relationships | Discovery Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		58,000		58,000
Trademarks | Discovery Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		3,200		$ 3,200
Developed technology
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life				3 years
Developed technology | Discovery Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		$ 6,400		$ 6,400
Minimum | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life				9 years
Minimum | Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life				1 year
Maximum | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life				10 years
Maximum | Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life				6 years

Business Combinations - Schedul

Business Combinations - Schedule of Proforma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ 10,903	$ 14,016	$ 27,164	$ 27,325
Revenue		88,461		254,245
Net income		$ 8,115		$ 17,091
Pro forma earnings per share - basic (in usd per share)		$ 0.16		$ 0.34
Pro forma earnings per share - diluted (in usd per share)		$ 0.16		$ 0.33
Discovery Services
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Transaction costs	$ 13,500		$ 13,500

Business Combinations Financial

Business Combinations Financial Results of Business Combination included in Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 85,702	$ 88,461	$ 248,648	$ 251,305
Cost of revenue	52,282	50,830	154,722	147,566
Selling, general and administrative expenses	22,517	23,615	66,762	76,414
Operating income	10,903	14,016	27,164	27,325
Discovery Services | Operating Segments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	21,080	17,987	57,925	47,823
Cost of revenue	11,520	9,275	31,565	24,229
Selling, general and administrative expenses	6,509	6,040	19,678	17,302
Operating income	$ 3,051	$ 2,672	$ 6,682	$ 6,292

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 151,322
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,112
Goodwill	159,434
Patent Risk Management
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	19,978
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Goodwill	19,978
Discovery Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	131,344
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,112
Goodwill	$ 139,456

Intangible Assets, Net (Detail)

Intangible Assets, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 2.1	$ 2.5	$ 6.8	$ 7.2

Intangible Assets, Net (Detai50

Intangible Assets, Net (Detail) - Intangible Assets, Net - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$ 65,615		$ 65,615		$ 70,400
Accumulated amortization	(14,548)		(14,548)		(14,350)
Total estimated future amortization expense	51,067		51,067		56,050
Amortization of intangible assets	2,100	$ 2,500	6,800	$ 7,200
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	56,515		56,515		55,719
Accumulated amortization	(10,209)		(10,209)		(6,323)
Total estimated future amortization expense	46,306		46,306		49,396
Trademarks
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	2,900		2,900		4,879
Accumulated amortization	(818)		(818)		(2,439)
Total estimated future amortization expense	2,082		2,082		2,440
Developed technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	6,200		6,200		5,802
Accumulated amortization	(3,521)		(3,521)		(1,978)
Total estimated future amortization expense	2,679		$ 2,679		3,824
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life			3 years
Covenant not to compete
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	0		$ 0		1,900
Accumulated amortization	0		0		(1,604)
Total estimated future amortization expense	0		0		296
Proprietary data and models
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	0		0		2,100
Accumulated amortization	0		0		(2,006)
Total estimated future amortization expense	$ 0		$ 0		$ 94

Intangible Assets, Net (Detai51

Intangible Assets, Net (Detail) - Estimated Future Amortization Expenses For Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
2017 (remainder)	$ 2,133
2,018	8,533
2,019	6,626
2,020	6,506
2,021	6,506
Thereafter	20,763
Total estimated future amortization expense	$ 51,067	$ 56,050

Accrued Liabilities (Detail) -

Accrued Liabilities (Detail) - Accrued Liabilities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities	$ 13,543	$ 16,798
Accrued payroll-related expenses
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities	8,481	11,516
Accrued other expenses
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities	$ 5,062	$ 5,282

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 26, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.50%
Term Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount of credit facility	$ 100,000,000
Term of credit facility	5 years
Term Facility | Minimum | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage margin	1.25%
Term Facility | Minimum | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage margin	2.25%
Term Facility | Maximum | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage margin	1.75%
Term Facility | Maximum | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage margin	2.75%
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount of credit facility	$ 50,000,000
Term of credit facility	5 years
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee on undrawn balances (as a percent)	0.35%
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee on undrawn balances (as a percent)	0.45%

Debt - Schedule of Repayments o

Debt - Schedule of Repayments of Principal (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ (1,366)
Long-term debt, gross	89,884
Current portion of long-term debt	8,349	$ 6,474
Long-term debt, less current portion	81,535	$ 88,110
Term Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2017 (remainder)	1,875
2,018	9,375
2,019	11,875
2,020	18,125
2,021	50,000
Long-term debt, gross	$ 91,250

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012defendant	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)ft²	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Reduction in leased space | ft²		18,000
Area of leased property | ft²			67,000
Reduction in lease commitment | $		$ 2.4
Contractual obligation term			3 years
Number of defendants | defendant	5
Reserves for known and incurred but not reported claims | $			$ 1.2	$ 0.9

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Noncancelable Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 1.5	$ 1.6	$ 4.6	$ 4.3
Sublease income	(0.3)	(0.2)	(0.8)	(0.5)
Rent expense, net of sublease income	$ 1.2	$ 1.4	$ 3.8	$ 3.8

Stockholders_ Equity (Detail)

Stockholders’ Equity (Detail) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan (in shares)	[1]				1,000,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised		$ 200,000		$ 500,000	$ 2,800,000	$ 800,000
Total fair value of stock options vested		0		200,000	0	1,200,000
Total fair value of RSUs vested		3,700,000		2,900,000	$ 13,100,000	9,000,000
Shares withheld for tax withholdings (in shares)					361,376
Total payments for the employees’ minimum tax obligations to taxing authorities					$ 4,526,000	3,135,000
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		0		100,000	0	900,000
PBRSUs and RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		3,800,000		$ 4,200,000	10,900,000	$ 13,300,000
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested equity awards		$ 31,900,000			$ 31,900,000
Weighted-average service period of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested equity awards					2 years 7 months
Performance-based restricted stock units with a market condition
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
PBRSUs granted (in shares)					102,790	115,657
2011 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan (in shares)			1,000,000
[1]	In the first quarter of 2017, the Company reserved an additional 1.0 million shares of its common stock for future issuance under the 2011 Plan.

Stockholders_ Equity (Detail) -

Stockholders’ Equity (Detail) - Activity Under Equity Award Plans And Related Information $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Shares Available for Grant - Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	3,586,000
Number of Shares - Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	1,768,000
Shares Available for Grant - Shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	[1]
Options forfeited/canceled (in shares)	(99,000)
Shares Available for Grant - Options forfeited/canceled (in shares)	99,000
Number of Shares - Options exercised (in shares)	(690,000)
Share Available for Grant - Restricted stock units granted (in shares)	(1,975,000)
Shares Available for Grant - Restricted stock units forfeited (in shares)	1,338,000
Shares Available for Grant - Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	4,409,000
Number of Shares - Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	979,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted-Average Exercise Price - Outstanding, beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.63
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8.64
Shares Available for Grant - Restricted stock units withheld related to net-share settlement of restricted stock units (in shares)	361,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options forfeited/canceled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 16.16
Weighted-Average Exercise Price - Outstanding, ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 13.29
Outstanding (weighted-average contractual life)	3 years 7 months
Outstanding (intrinsic value) | $	$ 2,338
Vested and exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Vested and exercisable (shares)	979,000
Vested and exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 13.29
Vested and exercisable (weighted-average contractual life)	3 years 7 months
Vested and exercisable (intrinsic value) | $	$ 2,338
[1]	In the first quarter of 2017, the Company reserved an additional 1.0 million shares of its common stock for future issuance under the 2011 Plan.

Stockholders_ Equity (Detail)59

Stockholders’ Equity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Unit Activity - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Non-vested units, beginning balance (in shares)			3,424,000
Non-vested units, ending balance (in shares)	3,019,000		3,019,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested units, beginning balance (in dollars per share)			$ 11.53
Non-vested units, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 11.94		$ 11.94
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, nonvested, intrinsic value	$ 40,089		$ 40,089
PBRSUs and RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,800	$ 4,200	$ 10,900	$ 13,300
Performance-based restricted stock units with a market condition
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 11.95	$ 6.28
Restricted stock units granted
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)			1,975,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 11.83
Restricted stock units vested
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Vested (in shares)			(1,042,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Vested (in dollars per share)			$ 12.16
Restricted stock units forfeited
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Forfeited (in shares)			(1,338,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Forfeited (in dollars per share)			$ 10.41

Stockholders_ Equity (Detail)60

Stockholders’ Equity (Detail) - Repurchased and Retired Common Stock - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	May 31, 2016
Stockholders Equity and Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 150,000	$ 75,000
Increase in authorized amount			$ 25,000	$ 50,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares repurchased, balance as of beginning of period (in shares)	7,917
Shares repurchased, repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)	573
Shares repurchased, balance as of end of period (in shares)	8,490
Shares repurchased, average price per share at beginning of period (usd per share)	$ 10.90
Shares repurchased, average price per share for repurchase of shares of common stock (usd per share)	11.56
Shares repurchased, average price per share at end of period (usd per share)	$ 10.94
Shares repurchased, value of shares repurchased as of beginning of period	$ 86,276
Shares repurchased, value of repurchase of shares of common stock	6,629
Shares repurchased, value of shares repurchased as of end of period	$ 92,905

Stockholders' Equity - Fair Val

Stockholders' Equity - Fair Value Assumptions (Details) - Performance-based restricted stock units with a market condition - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free rate	1.03%	1.08%
Expected volatility	32.00%	38.00%
Expected term - in years	1 year	4 years
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 11.95	$ 6.28

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	42.00%	36.00%	39.00%	37.00%

Related-Party Transactions (Det

Related-Party Transactions (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)board_member	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)board_member	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)board_member	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)board_member	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from related parties	$ 0.8	$ 2.4	$ 6.6	$ 7.3
Selling, general, and administrative expenses from products and services provided by clients	0.1	$ 0.2	0.4	$ 0.6
Receivables due from related parties	$ 0.3		$ 0.3		$ 1.3
Director
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of directors | board_member	3	4	4	4

Segment Reporting (Detail)

Segment Reporting (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 85,702	$ 88,461	$ 248,648	$ 251,305
Cost of revenue	52,282	50,830	154,722	147,566
Selling, general and administrative expenses	22,517	23,615	66,762	76,414
Operating income	10,903	14,016	27,164	27,325
Depreciation and amortization	42,423	43,725	128,278	129,312
Adjusted EBITDA	57,183	62,082	$ 166,653	170,976
Number of reportable segments | segment			2
Operating Segments [Member] | Legacy RPX
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	64,622	70,474	$ 190,723	203,482
Cost of revenue	40,762	41,555	123,157	123,337
Selling, general and administrative expenses	16,008	17,575	47,084	59,112
Operating income	7,852	11,344	20,482	21,033
Stock-based compensation, including related taxes	3,372	4,205	9,905	13,974
Depreciation and amortization	39,934	41,226	120,928	122,402
Adjusted EBITDA	51,158	56,775	151,315	157,409
Operating Segments [Member] | Discovery Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	21,080	17,987	57,925	47,823
Cost of revenue	11,520	9,275	31,565	24,229
Selling, general and administrative expenses	6,509	6,040	19,678	17,302
Operating income	3,051	2,672	6,682	6,292
Stock-based compensation, including related taxes	485	136	1,306	365
Depreciation and amortization	2,489	2,499	7,350	6,910
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 6,025	$ 5,307	$ 15,338	$ 13,567

Segment Reporting (Detail) - Re

Segment Reporting (Detail) - Revenue By Location - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 85,702	$ 88,461	$ 248,648	$ 251,305
Total revenue	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
United States	58.00%	57.00%	59.00%	58.00%
Total revenue	$ 50,006	$ 50,068	$ 146,672	$ 144,720
Germany
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
United States	10.00%	7.00%	9.00%	5.00%
Total revenue	$ 8,790	$ 6,018	$ 22,699	$ 13,569
Japan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other foreign country	10.00%	13.00%	11.00%	12.00%
Total revenue	$ 8,727	$ 11,192	$ 26,367	$ 29,105
Rest of world
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other foreign country	22.00%	23.00%	21.00%	25.00%
Total revenue	$ 18,179	$ 21,183	$ 52,910	$ 63,911

Segment Reporting - Subtotal Se

Segment Reporting - Subtotal Segment Adjusted EBITDA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 57,183	$ 62,082	$ 166,653	$ 170,976
Depreciation and amortization	(42,423)	(43,725)	(128,278)	(129,312)
Stock-based compensation, including related taxes	(3,857)	(4,341)	(11,211)	(14,339)
Interest and other income (expense), net	88	(1,250)	(18)	(994)
Provision for income taxes	(4,625)	(4,651)	(10,595)	(9,829)
Net income	6,366	8,115	16,551	16,502
Revenue	85,702	88,461	248,648	251,305
Cost of revenue	52,282	50,830	154,722	147,566
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 22,517	$ 23,615	$ 66,762	$ 76,414

Segment Reporting - Total Asset

Segment Reporting - Total Assets by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 731,854	$ 735,289
Operating Segments [Member] | Patent risk management
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	483,311	501,540
Operating Segments [Member] | Discovery Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 248,543	$ 233,749

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	Oct. 26, 2017$ / shares
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend (in usd per share)	$ 0.05