VPATAPP Alert_Why the roots of patent trolling may be in the patent office

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/03/why-the-roots-of-patent-trolling-may-be-in-the-patent-office/

In recent years, American companies have faced a growing threat from patent assertion entities derisively called "patent trolls." These often-shadowy firms make money by threatening patent lawsuits rather than creating useful products. A recent study suggests that the roots of the patent trolling problem may lie with the US Patent and Trademark office—specifically with patent examiners who fail to thoroughly vet patent applications before approving them.