Technology companies, especially start-up and growth companies, are plagued by the patent trolls who buy or create patents solely to file “nuisance” lawsuits against multiple companies for infringement. Companies are often forced to settle because going to court may cost over $1 million in legal fees even if the company prevails.
Congressman Peter DeFazio introduced the Saving High-tech Innovators from Egregious Legal Disputes (SHIELD) Act (http://defazio.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=792&I...) to protect American tech companies from frivolous patent lawsuits that cost jobs and resources. The SHIELD Act will put the financial burden on the patent trolls by allowing defendants to recoup money spent to successfully defend themselves against those lawsuits.