They aren't all that rare at all. But they also aren't typically as ridiculous as the print-to-scan patent trolling scheme.
Usually they go after medium sized fish and ask for ~100-200k. It's cheaper than a suit or an post grant review.
But even the medium fish are hundreds of millions / billion dollar companies.
The patent trolling going after the little guy is mostly exaggeration. Most trolls aim for deep pockets.
Plus you can lowball the shit out of trolls who send letters. Since you know they aren't serious. If they were, they'd never risk a declaratory judgement suit in a defendant favorable district. They'd just hit you in E.D. Tex or DE.
Usually they go after medium sized fish and ask for ~100-200k. It's cheaper than a suit or an post grant review.
But even the medium fish are hundreds of millions / billion dollar companies.
The patent trolling going after the little guy is mostly exaggeration. Most trolls aim for deep pockets.
Plus you can lowball the shit out of trolls who send letters. Since you know they aren't serious. If they were, they'd never risk a declaratory judgement suit in a defendant favorable district. They'd just hit you in E.D. Tex or DE.