English Explanatory Dictionary

patent trolling

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The practice of owning and enforcing patents in an aggressive and opportunistic manner, often with no intention of marketing or promoting the subjects of the patents.

Pronunciation

/ˈpætənt ˌtɹəʊlɪŋ/ /ˈpætənt ˌtɹoʊlɪŋ/

Word forms

patent trolling

Etymology

From patent troll, which is derived from patent + troll (“in folklore, a grotesque humanoid creature living in caves or hills, or under bridges”), a reference to trolls in folktales who block the path of travellers or threaten to harm them unless some payment is made.

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