Killing (Patent) Trolls

So, I was listening to +Fear the Boot's last podcast (#333, which is half of THAT number, so half METAL!), and the guys sent out a call about a patent case currently in federal court. Adam Carolla and a few other folks are being sued for patent infringement by a patent troll. If you don't know what a patent troll is, here's what they seem to do:

1. Look at the world and see if anyone is doing something cool. 
2. Figure out something about that thing for which you can apply for a patent.
3. Sue!
4. Hope they decide to settle the case with you instead of pursuing an expensive legal defense.
5. Profit!

Patent trolls pretend to be businesses, but their only product is litigation. So, fuck those guys. And, now, it's become personal. Apparently, a patent troll is trying to patent the very process of podcasting. If they succeed, they OWN the process and have set a legal precedent. If that case is not overturned... goodbye, podcasting. Goodbye, Spellburn. Goodbye, Roll for Initiative. Goodbye, Save or Die! Goodbye, THACO's Hammer. Goodbye, Your Book is Why Daddy Drinks. Goodbye all the indy podcasts you know and love.

Well, that's some bullshit right there, don't you think? So what can be done. As it happens, +Adam Carolla has set up a legal defense fund, so he can fight the lawsuit. I've made a donation, and refused to take any physical product as my "reward," to ensure that all the money I sent will go toward the defense efforts.

Please join me in this effort, if you can, and as you are able. If you're going to do it, do it now. Don't delay, or you'll probably forget. Go HERE, and contribute to the warchest. It'll only take a couple of minutes. Those bastards need to be taken down, and you can help.