Back in 2001/2002, I got a patent while working for a company, which later filed for bankruptcy. As part of that process, a patent holding co. acquired my patent. Since then, every couple of years they have been adding some new claims and resubmitting it on my behalf, with my signature, and are paying me amounts $100 -$250.

I just received a similar request. This time I decided not to sign, but asked for much larger amount. They have refused, and they are saying that they would proceed without my signature. What is my downside?

Do I lose my patent?

I came to know that adding these new claims is way of diluting my original ownership, so that they will eventually own it and go after someone co. that might be violating it. Is this true?