Patent wars: Intellectual Ventures suing 9 tech firms

On its website the company claims its "mission is to energize and streamline an invention economy that will drive innovation around the world."

But I suspect others might say it's engaging in strong-arm techniques to shake down tech companies for investments under the threat of potential litigation.

I'd love to hear what readers think.

Chris Nerney writes about the business side of technology market strategies and trends, legal issues, leadership changes, mergers, venture capital, IPOs and technology stocks. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisNerney.