The Patent Pledge

Paul Graham’s essay The Patent Pledge proposes a voluntary pledge for tech companies to refrain from using patents against small startups.

The Problem

Graham distinguishes between patent reform (slow, requires government) and preventing harmful patent use. He focuses on established companies weaponizing patents against innovative competitors.

The Solution

“No first use of software patents against companies with less than 25 people.”

Why This Works

Companies that adopt it signal higher ethical standards
Holdout companies become conspicuous
Requires “no change in behavior” for ethical tech companies
Modeled after “Don’t be evil”—deliberately vague to encourage common sense

Scope & Limitations

Targets a specific abuse: established firms suppressing innovation. Won’t address patent trolls, but tackles a “more serious” problem—companies “attacking innovation at the root.”

My Takeaway

Market pressure can address problems without legislative battles. Push your employer to adopt ethical pledges.