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> Patents protect inventors and encourage innovation. Practically, patents only protect large-scale holders with time and finance to enforce them. "For a clai
by dingaling 6y ago
> Patents protect inventors and encourage innovation.
Practically, patents only protect large-scale holders with time and finance to enforce them.
"For a claim that could be worth less than a $1 million, median legal costs are $650,000. "
https://www.cnet.com/news/how-much-is-that-patent-lawsuit-going-to-cost-you/ https://www.cnet.com/news/how-much-is-that-patent-lawsuit-go...
I've seen this first hand, a friend obtained a patent on an invention and offered it to various companies. They feigned disinterest and then simply developed their own versions of it. He couldn't afford to sue, so did nothing.
- unityByFreedom 6y ago> Practically, patents only protect large-scale holders with time and finance to enforce them They still do protect individual inventors. And, this isn't justification that patents discourage innovation, as a parent comment alleged. Patents protect individuals who may be acquired and compensated by larger entities. There's nothing dubious about this.
- yyyk 6y agoThe clever play would be to sell the patent to a patent troll, and let the companies deal with the litigation. Ironically having multiple violators can make the patent more valuable.