Patent trolls and their effect on security
The specter of patent litigation continues to overshadow the actions of those who work in the technology industry.
The rise of the non-practicing entity (NPE) has been an especially troubling development. NPEs are firms that usually acquire patents for the sole purpose of generating profit through either litigation or licensing through the threat of lawsuit.
A wide range of patents, the vague wording present in their descriptions, and the ease with which they may be applied makes it difficult for a company to defend its innovations. As a result, many companies have become more reticent toward development out of fear that they could become a target for costly lawsuits.
