Patent Trolls - Best Study Yet on Their Impact

I have posted on patent trolls a couple times previously. Now a new rigorous study (PDF) by Harvard University and the University of Texas makes a strong case for the detrimental effects of such activity. Patent trolls, known as NPEs (non-practicing entities)  are an area of the justice system almost as financially detrimental to the country as the divorce system. The study finds, "NPE litigation has a negative real impact on the future innovative activity of targeted firms." That means it hurts our economy and our future. And by "our" I mean everyone. That includes you.