Obama Tries to Curb some Patent-Holding Firms

In recent years, patents have become an increasingly important aspect of the nation's economy. However, this growth has also created some controversy around patent-holding companies that collect portfolios of patents not to build new products but to pursue licensing fees. These companies, referred to as 'patent trolls by critics,' are said to be costing the economy and have attracted attention from the President and other policy makers.

The Obama Administration has actively spoken out against these nonpracticing entities and has created legislative proposals designed to restrict them. Co-leader of the firm's Intellectual Property Group, David Donoghue, has said that something has to be done to address the problem of nuisance suits, which can be expensive to litigate.

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