The patent trolls attacking public transit across the U.S.
Photo Caption: Public transit agencies deride 'patent trolls'
Skift Take
Unlike a tiff between Apple and Samsung, attacks on public transit are the easiest way to hurt the broadest section of workers in cities across the U.S. Nothing like a multi-million dollar settlement to stifle innovation as well as jack up monthly rail fees for millions of people.
Lawsuits or threats of legal action have been lodged against at least 23 transit providers in some of the nation's largest cities, including New York, Boston and Chicago. Opponents say the claims are frivolous and are stifling innovation, draining resources and costing taxpayers millions.
"We are seeing this huge onslaught of patent lawsuits," said James LaRusch, chief counsel for the nonprofit American Public Transportation Association, which has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to protect its hundreds of member agencies.
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