Google to disarm trolls by buying patents before they become weapons

As a way to combat the pernicious effects of patent trolls, Google announced Monday that it would be buying up patents from any inventor or entrepreneur who wants to sell.

"We are looking for ways to help improve the patent landscape, and we hope that by removing some of the friction that exists in the secondary market for patents, this program might yield better, more immediate results for patent owners versus partnering with non­practicing entities." The company writes in an FAQ.

According to Google, inventors will be able to retain a license to practice their innovation. Of course, Google will also be able to license it out (or use it as part of litigation) just like it would with other intellectual property.

As Allen Lo, deputy general counsel for patents, wrote on a company blog: "By simplifying the process and having a concentrated submission window, we can focus our efforts into quickly evaluating patent assets and getting responses back to potential sellers quickly. Hopefully this will translate into better experiences for sellers and remove the complications of working with entities such as patent trolls."