Many in the industry and out can tell you patent litigation is becoming just another part of the cost of doing business in the tech industry.  For some, it is business.  One out of thirty patent/infringement lawsuits come from plaintiffs that do not even make anything; well, they make one thing, a patent.

A patent does not require you to actually manufacture and sell the product.   Many of these companies are in the business of registering patents for products they will never make and to hold on like a domain squatter with the hope that some other company will start developing it.  The aim is that upon arrival of new product, an infringement suit may be brought from the original patent holder where their gamble can pay off.

There is plenty of discussion on patent reform.  Most in legislation suggest changes to incentives of litigation and limitations or redefining damages in recovery.  Many experts seem to suggest the problem begins with the Patent Office itself.  Quality of patents that are issued currently do not create clarity and predictability–two things that create litigation when they are absent.