Federal Judge Rules 'Patent Troll' Must Pay $3.8 Million in Attorney Fees:


Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz have been awarded almost $4 million for attorney fees after beating back a patent infringement suit brought by one of several interlocking companies whose "primary source of income is from litigation settlements," according to a Wisconsin federal judge. The automakers' opponents were companies controlled by Texas entrepreneur Erich Spangenberg. A Kilpatrick Stockton partner described the Spangenberg companies as "patent trolls," which exist solely to acquire and enforce patents.