> Now, how do you make sure that these companies buying patents don’t become trolls?
The problem with patents is that they prevent use by 3rd-parties, either by the license being too expensive or by the patentee refusing to grant one. The patentee actually using their patent has no bearing on this. The real solution to this mess is to make patent licensing compulsory. The patent office could decide that in lieu of a contract staying otherwise, a patentee is guaranteed 10% of profits or 5% of production costs, whichever is greater. Patents used to provide ongoing services could be 1% of profits. Non-commercial users should be exempt.
The problem with patents is that they prevent use by 3rd-parties, either by the license being too expensive or by the patentee refusing to grant one. The patentee actually using their patent has no bearing on this. The real solution to this mess is to make patent licensing compulsory. The patent office could decide that in lieu of a contract staying otherwise, a patentee is guaranteed 10% of profits or 5% of production costs, whichever is greater. Patents used to provide ongoing services could be 1% of profits. Non-commercial users should be exempt.