patent trolling en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈpætənt ˌtɹoʊlɪŋ/ (General-American)
- /ˈpætənt ˌtɹəʊlɪŋ/ (Received-Pronunciation)
Etymology
From patent troll, which is derived from patent + troll (“in folklore, a grotesque humanoid creature living in caves or hills, or under bridges”), a reference to trolls in folktales who block the path of travellers or threaten to harm them unless some payment is made.
Meanings
- (derogatory, informal, uncountable) The practice of owning and enforcing patents in an aggressive and opportunistic manner, often with no intention of marketing or promoting the subjects of the patents.