Patent Trolls: A Big Problem for Small Business 

WASHINGTON, DC -- Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) today hosted entrepreneurs and industry representatives for a discussion on the impact that patent trolls and frivolous patent litigation have on small businesses and the American workforce.

 Following the discussion, Chairman Chabot issued the following statement:

“Today, the message was loud and clear: patent trolls are a big issue for small business.

Patent trolls are increasingly targeting small business because they know small firms don’t have large legal departments to defend themselves. And it’s not just technology companies that are being targeted, it is any business that wants to operate in the modern economy. Retailers that want to conduct sales online, restaurants that want to offer their customers wi-fi, or any enterprise that sends an email with a hyperlink are potential targets.

We need a strong patent system, but we must not let common sense be lost in this debate. When a company can be forced into bankruptcy because it chooses to defend its innocence rather than give into these bad actors, something needs to change.

I’m glad that the House Committees on Judiciary and Energy and Commerce are actively crafting solutions to address this issue and I look forwarding to working with those involved to ensure that any solutions strongly protect American small businesses.”

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