The patent system was formed in order to foster innovation but, unsurprisingly, some enterprising people have been able to turn it into a business. Yes, these are the patent trolls that threaten even giants like Google. In order to protect its often-targeted platform, Google has formed the “Android Networked Cross-License Agreement” with its hardware partners. Google lists itself, Samsung, LG, HTC etc as the founding members of this new, Android-centric patent pact. In the spirit of openness, it is also inviting other companies to join to make the Android experience better while protecting themselves from costly lawsuits.

Source: diggline.com