NCTA was among 50 organizations that recently sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging solutions to patent abuse. “Managing frivolous patent suits unfortunately has become an expensive distraction for a large cross section of American businesses,” the letter said, citing the growth of patent troll activity in recent years.

"We seek reforms to the current system that would significantly curb trolls’ [formally ‘patent assertion entities’] ability to extort settlement demands from retailers, technology companies, small businesses, financial services institutions, state and local government entities, and many others who are today the targets of their outrageous claims," the letter said. Citing a recent White House report, the letter said patent troll activity has quadrupled since 2005, costing the economy $80 billion in 2011 alone.

Part of cable’s growth relies on its ability to create and deploy the latest technology to deliver broadband services, and to engage viewers with high-value content, making it easily accessible on consumer phones, tablets and other mobile devices, NCTA said in a blog post. “That’s why we’re working so hard to return the patent system to its intended purpose. We’re pleased to have such widespread support both from our peers in the technology and communications industry and with the Obama administration.”

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When Cory Gardner joined NCTA as CEO in September, we marveled that his first few days on the job had him on stage at SCTE TechExpo and guiding members of Congress through the exhibit hall. Turns out, he originally wasn’t supposed to be there.

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