It can also be lucrative if business wanes. Companies with near monopoly power already printing money regardless so they don't bother. But a lot of once-great

It can also be lucrative if business wanes. Companies with near monopoly power already printing money regardless so they don't bother. But a lot of once-great companies turn to monetizing patents. Some of the most successful patent trolls buy portfolios from companies that were actually engaged in the field at the time.