'Fee-Shifting' And Patent Reform: A Double-Edged Sword For Startup Companies

A fee-shifting provision in some of the patent reform bills currently working their way through Congress could have a significant impact on technology startup companies. For those that have been targeted by dubious patent infringement allegations, fee-shifting--which can require the losing party in a patent infringement lawsuit to pay the costs incurred by the prevailing party--would provide welcome relief. But for technology-intensive startup companies for which patents are a key asset, fee-shi...