[bitwize]

There are basically two ways to respond.

1) roll over and show your belly, and pay up

2) get a patent attorney and fight.

Depending on the size and resources of the patent troll, you may intimidate them out of pursuing the matter just by lawyering up. No one wants protracted litigation, not even vexatious litigants, for whom the fear of litigation is far more profitable than the actual court proceedings. It's money in your pocket if you can get your victims to spook and settle. Muggers work the same way: they don't want a fight, they want you to get scared and hand over your wallet.

I'm not saying that option two is best for you. That depends on your resources. But it's something to consider.

[howmayiannoyyou]

Third option:

Negotiate a settlement before the lawyer you hire files their appearance. That conversation should be minimal with low expectations.

Fourth option:

Compared to the cost of most litigation its cheaper to hire a full time corporate counsel to handle the litigation (if you can afford it).