Wilkof's Law

Writing today for the IP Finance weblog, veteran IP commentator Neil J. Wilkof hypothesises the validity of what he calls "Wilkof's Law". He explains:

"For those of you ... who have never heard of "Wilkof"s Law", it goes like this. Question: "How do you know when there is economic slowdown?" Answer: "There is an increase in patent litigation."

Wilkof's article, "Patent Litigation, the ITC and Hardship in the Chip Industry" gives examples, reflecting an increased rate of patent litigation in the United States which can be seen not merely in the courts but in terms of actions brought before the International Trade Commission. The full text of his article can be read here.