Take a Stand

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Based on media reports, there are provisions in this bill which could be very helpful to online retailers and other web site operators. It will be interesting to see how the bill develops as it moves through the legislative process. Naturally, we could help ourselves by communicating to our respective members of Congress our support for patent reform legislation as it relates to the abusive behavior of patent trolls.

Victims no more

There is no reason for Internet retailers and other web site operators to remain victims of patent trolls. By standing together, we can beat them. The battle needs to be conducted in the courts, at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and on Capitol Hill.

It may seem daunting. However, one large concerted effort will put an end to this scourge that robs us of so much time and financial resources. It just takes a little courage, a willingness to think strategically and common sense leadership.

Bill Crutchfield is the founder and CEO of Crutchfield Corp., an online and catalog retailer based in Charlottesville, Va.