•  
  •  
 

UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law

Abstract

The term Patent Troll is increasingly permeating news headlines. This comment explains where the term came from and how the changing landscape of patent enforcement has contributed to the evolution of the Patent Troll. Some have suggested that segregating Patent Trolls from other patent enforcers will solve many of the patent system’s woes. This comment analyzes proposed ways of distinguishing Patent Trolls and reveals them all as prejudicial and ineffective. The use of the term Patent Troll is a mask for underlying fears based on real shortcomings in the patent system, which need to be addressed.

COinS