The pace of technology has continued to move forward in the satellite industry, most recently in the area of broadband satellite Internet. However, with this growth in technology, satellite companies can expect an increase in patent litigation. Recent filings against the primary satellite broadband providers highlight the importance of patents to this industry. Patent litigation has the possibility of substantial rewards, but also contains significant risks. By considering the strategies below, the satellite industry can be better prepared to manage the impact of patent litigation. "Broadband Internet" commonly refers to Internet that is always on and is faster than traditional dial-up Internet. Since its widespread use in the early 2000s, the market for broadband Internet has been dominated by cable and DSL providers. However, satellite broadband companies added several hundred thousand new users in 2012, and satellite Internet's over 1 million subscribers now comprise more than 1 percent of the broadband market.
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