Trade panel acts against patent trolls

The International Trade Commission (ITC) is joining other federal agencies in trying to curb frivolous patent litigation. The independent commission announced a pilot program to more speedily and cheaply resolve unfounded patent lawsuits. The action is an attempt to crack down on "patent trolls" — firms that acquire portfolios of patents and make money by suing other companies. Critics of these firms say they do not create new products themselves and hamper innovation by tying up legitimate businesses in costly court fights. The International Trade Commission's program will require some firms to prove upfront that they have a U.S. presence. Traditionally, the agency has only made that determination after months of costly litigation.