Patents are a source of constant lawsuits between large tech companies like Apple, Microsoft and Samsung. They're one reason Google wants to pay $12.5 billion for Motorola Mobility. And many entrepreneurs believe these documents stunt innovation rather than protect it.

Last year, 107,792 patents were issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Here are some interesting points on the history, process and recent impacts of this important component of the tech ecosystem.





[via BusinessInsurance.org]