Representative Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, was only vaguely aware of the so-called “patent troll” issue plaguing small technology companies until he visited software firms in his district about a year ago. It was then that he heard stories about outrageous patent lawsuits threatening the viability of the firms, he said.
“They started telling me about all these unwarranted attacks that came at great cost,” DeFazio said. “Instead of fighting costly court battles, they had to buy their way out and settle.”
