[codgercoder]

Sadly, any developer of a 99 cent app might be sued for patent infringement, with no efficient and cost-effective way to find out ahead of time. Software companies have had this issue as long as software has been patentable (according to USPTO, anyway), but business insurance can be had for a price. The iPhone's conversion of software development into a "blockbuster" business (IE a few win big, most don't make anything), has encouraged small entities to enter the market who don't have the resources for insurance.

[csense]

How much does insurance cost, and how does it work? I assume there's a cap on payouts, what if a patent troll demands more than the cap? Will the insurer negotiate with, or defend against, the troll on your behalf?