Apple Closing Two Texas Stores To Fight Patent Trolls

Apple has confirmed that it is closing two stores located in the Eastern District of Texas, and opening at least one new one in a nearby Dallas shopping mall. The move seems to be related to the fact that most patent troll lawsuits occur in this district and by closing its stores there, Apple can avoid those lawsuits from being filed there.

Patent trolls are companies or individuals that register or buy technology patents only to sue companies. Often the patents are vague or cover an obvious idea. The Eastern District of Texas is known for giving favorable decisions to patent trolls. Apple says it will be offering jobs at the new store to existing employees, as well as other opportunities.