HACKER Q&A
📣 throwaway2016a

Insurance Against Patent Trolls


I'm working on a startup that has some Intellectual Property that as far as I know does not overlap with any patents. But I'm a bit worried that at some point a patent troll will come after us for one thing or another.

I'm bootstrapped so I don't have deep pockets.

Is there any form of insurance that can help protect my startup from getting swallowed up by trolls?

I want to emphasize again: I'm not, as far as I know, infringing any patents. I'm not looking to protect against intentional infringement (as I would never intentionally infringe).


  👤 chillycurve Accepted Answer ✓
Directors and Officers insurance would provide some measure of comfort. What you need is an insurance broker who can advise you on what coverages will protect you best.

Edit: Looks like Intellectual Property Insurance is exactly what you are looking for.


👤 PaulHoule
File a provisional patent application, it will be part of the public record and will stop somebody else from filing a patent. If you have never filed a patent before and qualify as a small business you can file a PPA