Yes.
> I don't think so.
That doesn't make it any less true. What you think and feel have little to do with real facts.
Yes. Revostock, a small business that simply sold After Effects templates by independent artists was shut down by a patent troll:
https://www.redsharknews.com/business/item/1673-opinion-the-...
Early stage startups can run into trouble from trolls but if they do not have any money.... Unless the troll files a complaint and actually initiates a lawsuit, the scary letters should be ignored.
Though I do think startup GC's should learn how to handle the initial phases of a patent infringement lawsuit. It isn't that hard -- then it would force the trolls to spin up an expensive full-stack lawsuit if they want to keep going. This is expensive and risky for trolls.
Has this ever happened? I don't think so.
Also, it would be nice if the interview included a peppercorn of information about the bills.
WA state has a new anti-patent troll law. It is useless.
edit: link to the bill sponsored by Eric Lesser https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S128
edit2: after scanning the bill, it looks like every "mainstream" patent troll would be able to continue to operate without making any changes to their practice. Only the most incompetent lawyers have any chance of triggering the "bad faith" element in this law. (Same as WA state anti-patent troll law.)