First, the idea that IV is a scapegoat is an amusing one. IV is the world leader in patent trolling - that is what they set out to do. One of its co-founders

First, the idea that IV is a scapegoat is an amusing one. IV is the world leader in patent trolling - that is what they set out to do. One of its co-founders in fact coined the term "patent troll" while watching the practice in play at Intel. IV are relative experts in the business of patent trolling, and are doing it on a scale never before attempted by any troll. So, if you mean that HN commenters are singling out IV as a scapegoat for all patent trolls, I do not agree. It is entirely reasonable for IV to 0have to to answer to the community on the subject of patent trolling. It is their core business. If on the other hand you mean all patent trolls, including IV, are effectively a scapegoat for the systemic problems inside the PTO, then you might have a point. With regard to tax collecting, invention is worth something for sure. Too many patents are used for defensive purposes only, but let's leave that aside. Having rights to an invention is commonly a necessary precursor for successful innovation. With invention, usually mutliple parties can lay claim to the same "invention". There is no shortage of "inventors". Rights to inventions that are never commercialized are always difficult to value. What are they worth? Innovators are another matter. Innovators have to take on the risk. Successful innovators are relatively rare vis a vis inventors. IV is not an innovator. They do not bring products to market. That could change in the future, but as yet we have not yet seen anything more than PR stunts (e.g. donations of vaccine refridgerators). There's no reason to think IV will ever engage in manufacturing for the benefit of any inventor outside IV. IV's business is licensing. HN commenters are rightfully skeptical of any announcement that IV is anything other than a troll. "They actually pay inventors." Yes, IV pays inventors... if their implicit or explicit threats of litigation are successful... and then only after IV takes a cut. Law firms can do the same thing for inventors. But I never noticed anyone stating, "They actually do pay inventors." What's your point? Of course they pay inventors. If I ask a lawyer to find a licensee for my invention (or at least get someone to agree to a cash settlement out of fear of being sued), then yes, I expect to get paid.