Then the startup loses. The troll assumes that the startup is rational and won't do that. It would be interesting to see what effect a VC could have if they st

Then the startup loses. The troll assumes that the startup is rational and won't do that. It would be interesting to see what effect a VC could have if they started a policy of not allowing their portfolio companies to settle with a troll and funding them to fight. It might be expensive at first, but in theory once they develop a reputation the trolls will know it will be an expensive and risky proposition to go after their portfolio.