I am a Lithium patent freak. DLE is what I am chasing. Some of Moly's patents were patented by Dr. John Burba. That is why I know.
Even though Moly is hard rock they also had DLE patents.
This link well explain who the owner is better than I can.
A patent assignment is an agreement where one entity (the “assignor”) transfers all or part of their right, title and interest in a patent or application to another entity (the “assignee”).