I don't disagree that it'll be a comfort when the lien is removed, but I don't view the patent as owned by the lien holders. This is much like a mortgage on a home held by a mortgage company. Yes, if you were to default the lien could be exercised and the house foreclosed upon, but so long as you're not irresponsible and put yourself in a position to default, the house remains your property. I would be shocked if Sigma defaulted on its repayment to the financiers who hold the lien and lose the patent. But again, I don't disagree that it will be nice to see the balance of the loan paid off and the lien removed.