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A comment on A 32-year-old state senator is trying to get patent trolls out of Massachusetts. Parent comment

Re:A 32-year-old state senator is trying to get patent troll... by bahmboo on Saturday July 15, 2017 @10:08PM (#14780133)
Yes it does happen. Small startup gets a shakedown when they get into incumbent player market. Been there. Not always but it can be game ending. Not commenting on the quoted anecdote, just my experience and word of mouth from others.
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Re:A 32-year-old state senator is trying to get patent troll... by nerdponx on Saturday July 15, 2017 @10:30PM (#14780184)
It happens for trademarks too.
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Re:A 32-year-old state senator is trying to get patent troll... by 80211 on Sunday July 16, 2017 @01:08AM (#14780592)
Well, yes, but you can change your name and usually avoid having to pay up a large sum.
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Re:A 32-year-old state senator is trying to get patent troll... by pnw_hazor on Saturday July 15, 2017 @10:57PM (#14780241)
Three or four guys tinkering in a dorm room? Is what the brilliant Harvard educated young(est) congressman said.

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.

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