Be aware that a single technique can infringe on multiple patents, and a patent can extend other patent(s), triggering a situation where a single technique requirements licensing from multiple entities.
It is exactly the issue of fighting patents costing millions of dollars that makes technology development financially risky. When accused of infringing, one has to respond, and that response costs both significant time and significant money.
I agree a side project need not worry. A startup does. I also agree that the world favors active execution over passive intellectual property generation. Our world also forces the active executing organization to protect itself if they need any financing to realize their goals.
It is exactly the issue of fighting patents costing millions of dollars that makes technology development financially risky. When accused of infringing, one has to respond, and that response costs both significant time and significant money.
I agree a side project need not worry. A startup does. I also agree that the world favors active execution over passive intellectual property generation. Our world also forces the active executing organization to protect itself if they need any financing to realize their goals.