An interesting article published by the National Law Review identifies 9 reasons start-up companies can benefit from a patent.
Among other items, the article notes that patents can help stop the theft of innovations, can bring prestige and influence, and can increase the chances of acquisition or obtaining venture capital. For instance, in a 2010 study, 80% of start-up companies that received venture capital owned one or more patents. From a marketing perspective, consumers can oftentimes percieve patented products or technology to be of a higher caliber than products or technology that do not have patent protection.
The original article from the The National Law Review can be read here.