On December 16, 2013, WLF filed formal comments applauding the FTC’s decision to investigate the activities of Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs) in the wireless communications sector. WLF asserted that the activities of PAEs (often referred to colloquially as “patent trolls”) have the potential to stifle innovation and harm consumers. On October 3, 2013, the FTC (in response to requests from WLF and others) announced its decision to undertake a formal investigation of PAEs; it simultaneously requested public comments regarding the appropriateness of the eight information requests that it intends to submit to 25 large PAEs. WLF’s comments stated that although the eight requests are quire detailed, they are entirely appropriate. Given the tremendous growth of PAE activity in recent years, WLF argued that the FTC would be derelict in its duty if it did not look closely at the growing number of complaints that PAEs are engaging in unfair methods of competition and unfair practices.
