4 ms·

Every time I read an article like this I feel enraged, as I'm sure many other people do too. I'm a UK resident currently working on a suite of business apps, w

Every time I read an article like this I feel enraged, as I'm sure many other people do too. I'm a UK resident currently working on a suite of business apps, when I eventually am able to launch the company and (hopefully) make some money what can I do to avoid being a victim of patent trolls? Seems actively seeking to avoid violating patents could get me into more trouble than doing nothing!

ceejayoz 14y ago
> When I eventually am able to launch the company and (hopefully) make some money what can I do to avoid being a victim of patent trolls? Depressingly, nothing.
astrodust 14y ago
You could always put in your terms and conditions that your application cannot be used inside the United States and then actively reject those users. It's an ugly way to go about doing business, though, kind of the opposite of Hulu. The best plan is to retain a lawyer you trust who can help you deal with these things if and when they arise.
JustSomeAnon 14y ago
Keep a low profile and cross your fingers.
thaumaturgy 14y ago
Make contact with a business attorney you think you can trust -- not necessarily to retain them now, but so that you'll be acquainted when your business gets going. Add a little extra to the margin in your pricing for a legal war chest. Make sure that money stays liquid. If you receive a patent threat from someone, call up your attorney friend and pay him to respond with a letter.
joonix 14y ago
Just keep doing what you're doing, in the UK, try not to open yourself up to US jurisdiction if you don't have to. Keep assets out of there. If you really are infringing and concerned, I'd see about proactively getting favorable licenses while you're tiny, in case you get big. If you aren't infringing and it's a bunch of crap, like the Hipmunk case, I'd do what they did. Seek a declaratory judgment and call their bluff. After all, the troll might not even have money to fund a real battle. If their lawyers are working on contingency (they often are), they won't waste their money pursuing something with no real shot.

ceejayoz 14y ago

> When I eventually am able to launch the company and (hopefully) make some money what can I do to avoid being a victim of patent trolls? Depressingly, nothing.

astrodust 14y ago

You could always put in your terms and conditions that your application cannot be used inside the United States and then actively reject those users. It's an ugly way to go about doing business, though, kind of the opposite of Hulu. The best plan is to retain a lawyer you trust who can help you deal with these things if and when they arise.

JustSomeAnon 14y ago

Keep a low profile and cross your fingers.

thaumaturgy 14y ago

Make contact with a business attorney you think you can trust -- not necessarily to retain them now, but so that you'll be acquainted when your business gets going. Add a little extra to the margin in your pricing for a legal war chest. Make sure that money stays liquid. If you receive a patent threat from someone, call up your attorney friend and pay him to respond with a letter.

joonix 14y ago

Just keep doing what you're doing, in the UK, try not to open yourself up to US jurisdiction if you don't have to. Keep assets out of there. If you really are infringing and concerned, I'd see about proactively getting favorable licenses while you're tiny, in case you get big. If you aren't infringing and it's a bunch of crap, like the Hipmunk case, I'd do what they did. Seek a declaratory judgment and call their bluff. After all, the troll might not even have money to fund a real battle. If their lawyers are working on contingency (they often are), they won't waste their money pursuing something with no real shot.