Is the death of patent trolling near?

“Death” is a powerful word to use, but if this bill makes it through, it would essentially put in too much potential pain for anyone to mess with frivolous trolling techniques. That’s not to say that patent trolls would disappear, but they would be so hampered that they would have to have legitimate claims in order to risk making a move.

The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), has introduced a bill [PDF] that directly attacks the business model of “patent trolls.” The bill has a real chance at passing, with wide backing from leadership in both parties.

The proposal integrates most of the ideas from earlier patent reform bills introduced by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and John Cornyn (R-TX), as well as the SHIELD Act introduced by Reps. Pete DeFazio (D-OR) and Jason Chaffetz (R-UT). DeFazio and Chaffetz are co-sponsors, along with several other House members.