Study Looks at Patent Trolls' Negative Effects

WASHINGTON — Patent trolls deter innovation by raising costs without making technological contributions, according to a new Federal Trade Commission study released today.

The FTC's 300-page report examines the effect that patent trolls — or as the agency dubs them, "patent assertion entities" — have on competition in the marketplace.

Scores of adult entertainment companies have been hit with complaints in the past few years that have cost their operators millions in legal fees.

Patent holding companies like Acacia, which took on adult operators over the use of so-called digital media transmission patents, and Patent Harbor, which sued 10 adult studios over patents that allow DVDs and Blu-ray discs to organize and skip to chapters and scenes in a menu, are prime examples of trolling on the adult entertainment industry.

In preparing the report, regulators held eight days of hearings, cosponsored a workshop with the Patent and Trademark Office and the Justice Department and received more than 50 written submissions.

“Some applicants may have incentives to draft ambiguous claims that might be viewed narrowly by the PTO and then construed broadly in litigation,” the FTC said.

The FTC suggested that the Patent Office adhere to “an indefiniteness standard that weeds out claims reasonably susceptible to multiple interpretations.”

Also, the FTC recommended establishing undisputed claim term definitions, saying that “litigants disputing claim interpretation may turn to different dictionaries to find a favorable definition.”

The FTC urged the Patent Office “to build a record that improves claim scope clarity” and to “make greater and more informative use of statements of reasons for allowance and for withdrawing indefiniteness rejections.”

Another recommendation was for legislation requiring publication of patent applications 18 months after filing, whether or not the applicant also sought patent protection abroad.

Applications under current law can be kept secret until the patent issues.

The FTC also urged judges to cap royalty damages at an amount a willing licensee would pay by reining in infringement damages by grounding calculations and injunction analysis in “economic principles that recognize competition among patented technologies.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Haley Spades Stars in Latest From Immoral

Haley Spades stars with Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and Dean Van Damme in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions, directed by "Porno Dan" Leal.

Octavia Red Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octavia Red has made her Vampired debut alongside Talia Mint and 2023 XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum in the new feature “Hunters.”

Lily Starfire Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Lily Starfire stars with Kyle Mason in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Eating Ass Is the Game."

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

Country Hotwife Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Content creator Country Hotwife has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY, alongside her husband StagHubby and former XMAs Male Performer of the Year Isiah Maxwell.

Vixen Media Group Celebrates 10 Years of 'Tushy'

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of studio imprint Tushy.

Cherry Kiss Stars in Latest 'Blind Dates' From Bellesa

Cherry Kiss headlines the 16th volume of "Blind Dates," from Bellesa.

Emma Rosie Toplines Pat Myne's 'Gape For Days 5'

Emma Rosie headlines director Pat Myne's "Gape For Days 5," from Evil Angel.

Adult Time Drops 2nd Installment of Bree Mills Thriller 'Escape From Camp Conversion'

Adult Time has debuted the second episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from studio brand Girlcore.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Show More