Saw this article this morning and interested to see how this affects the photography world, what with the infamous patents popping up into discussion recently:
http://finance.yahoo.com …patent-120522062.html?l=1
Relevant excerpt:
NetApp, a Silicon Valley maker of sophisticated data storage devices, last month used a new legal precedent to force a patent holder to pay its legal fees. The judge called the case "reckless and wasteful."
...
Starting in 2012, companies accused of infringement could ask the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to invalidate patents used in litigation. The reviews are much cheaper and faster than court.
The reviews proved popular -- and devastating for many patent owners. As of June, the patent office was invalidating some or all of challenged patents' claims at a rate of 80 to 90 percent, depending on the type of review.
...
Starting in 2012, companies accused of infringement could ask the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to invalidate patents used in litigation. The reviews are much cheaper and faster than court.
The reviews proved popular -- and devastating for many patent owners. As of June, the patent office was invalidating some or all of challenged patents' claims at a rate of 80 to 90 percent, depending on the type of review.
I'm no legal expert but if the cost of fighting a patent troll is reduced to free (assuming you win) perhaps more challenges will be made. Though the article seems to be saying that "trolls" are just less likely to litigate unless it's the offense is very obvious.
