Public Interest IP Forum

[LaBarrister]

I want to know what are some opportunities in terms of employment for those with strong public and IP interests.

[bigredforlaw]

PubPat: http://www.pubpat.org/

[Objection]

Start a company that helps startups fight off patent trolls.

[turbotong]

Start a company that helps startups fight off patent trolls.

Although a noble idea, this will fail in practice. Trolls don't go after meager startups without money. Suing judgment proof defendants is not a good idea. Instead, trolls sue defendants who have money to pony up.
Defendants with lots of collectible money will spend a good fraction of that money to hire the best lawyers. They will need a law firm with resources equaling or exceeding those of the troll's resources. That law firm must have be willing to put its own reputation on the line to show how committed it is to the case. A non-profit anti-troll company would not be able to meet these criteria.

[Objection]

Start a company that helps startups fight off patent trolls.

Although a noble idea, this will fail in practice. Trolls don't go after meager startups without money. Suing judgment proof defendants is not a good idea. Instead, trolls sue defendants who have money to pony up.
Defendants with lots of collectible money will spend a good fraction of that money to hire the best lawyers. They will need a law firm with resources equaling or exceeding those of the troll's resources. That law firm must have be willing to put its own reputation on the line to show how committed it is to the case. A non-profit anti-troll company would not be able to meet these criteria.

http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/19/patent ... usinesses/

Considering the expense of patent litigation, targeting companies with such small revenues would not ordinarily appear to be a wise strategy. However, such litigations against smaller targets, with less money on the line, allow PAEs to establish favorable royalty rates and run up a count of parties that have licensed prior to going after larger entities that will provide a more significant return. In this way, small business may be considered the appetizer to the large company entrée.

[turbotong]

I guess you're right. Move to Cali and start that company.

[Objection]

I'm sure you could even convince some firms to help you out pro bono and lend you their resources.