[nroach]

Ah, and there's the rub. All it takes is a nod from the inventor, and the patents can be used offensively. If I'm a troll and putting together a portfolio to go after a "big fish", I probably already have the resources to offer the inventor a sizeable cut or up front payment sufficient to acquire that consent.

[harryh]

Offering the inventor a cut or upfront payment would violate the terms of the IPA.