Top 3 Tips to Protect Your Business against Patent Trolls

Patent trolls are just as bad as everyone says they are. Patent trolls have become a big problem for many businesses. Patent trolls attack vulnerable businesses with a lawsuit claiming patent infringement. Since the patent trolls trend increasing rapidly, you need to protect your business.

What is a patent troll? A company that obtains the right to one or more patents in order to profit by means of licensing or litigation, rather than by producing its own goods or services. 

It is always a good idea to evaluate your options for dealing with patent trolls before you get a threatening letter notice from one of these controversial monsters. So, what should you do if you receive intimidating letters from patent trolls every day? Here are some tips for NPE patent litigation.

Take it easy

Did you receive an email from a patent troll claiming that you are using their patent and have to give them x amount of dollars as a license payment? If yes then it’s not wise to get emotional or reply instantly, no matter how disgraceful the threatening letter may be.

Try to take these letters as normal emails and control your emotions in this tense moment. The main motive of these trolls letters to reach out a large number of audiences, hoping to con one or two people. So, don’t feed the troll by responding to these emails. The best thing to avoid these trolls is to stay calm, chill, don’t panic and don’t feed the trolls.

Alternative options to fight with trolls

Your research can give you a good idea about the patent existence and whether you should take it seriously or not. You have the options whether to respond or not, hire a lawyer to deal with the matter or not.  But you have several other choices you had no idea about. You can file a complaint against patent troll with the help of BBB (The Better Business Bureau). This is a complaint mechanism in which BBU ask the troll to respond. The good thing is that a nonmember can also use this complaint mechanism.

You can also consider contacting your state Attorney General’s office. In most of the states in the US, legislation against patent trolls has already passed. According to the law, the troll needs to show some proof of an infringement before they can send threatening letters, among other restrictions. In addition, you can contact the parent holder directly or generate public pressure against patent trolls to handle the situation.

Use legal counsel

A patent troll is not a piece of cake, so don’t fight with them alone. It always better to use legal counsel who specializes in patent law. Consult an attorney who is professional and experienced in the field of IPR (intellectual property rights) to not only ensure your product and service is genuine but also helps you expand the required patents to guard your own assets.