Most individuals and small companies should(*) just ignore patents they think are invalid because in almost all cases either (a) the patent is actually invalid

Most individuals and small companies should(*) just ignore patents they think are invalid because in almost all cases either (a) the patent is actually invalid and the patent owner won't actually litigate it or (b) the patent is valid but much narrower in scope than they think it is. Every patent I've seen held up here on HN as an example of an overly-broad, clearly invalid patent has had much narrower claims than the presenter admits. (*) I am a lawyer, but not your lawyer. This is a general observation and not legal advice. Your actual case will be different.