Suppose I wanted to create a startup and not have to worry about infringing software patents. What would be a sensible way of going about it? Or would I have to move to a different country?
Sell out the the first big tech company interested?
Make sure one of the co-founders is a kick-ass patent lawyer?
Don't?
Moving to another country is problematic. Other countries have their own software patent quagmires too (though, admittedly usually less developed ones). You're also probably going to want to sell to US customers at some point and then...
In the past, I'd have said don't make money, but in a world where patent trolls target end users of things like scanners, I no longer think that's enough.
More seriously, there's just too much risk and uncertainty with software patents. I think the only realistic option is to accept that risk and move on with the rest of your startup.
Make sure one of the co-founders is a kick-ass patent lawyer?
Don't?
Moving to another country is problematic. Other countries have their own software patent quagmires too (though, admittedly usually less developed ones). You're also probably going to want to sell to US customers at some point and then...
In the past, I'd have said don't make money, but in a world where patent trolls target end users of things like scanners, I no longer think that's enough.
More seriously, there's just too much risk and uncertainty with software patents. I think the only realistic option is to accept that risk and move on with the rest of your startup.