Term coined by Roberto Dini, a well-known Italian Patent and Trademark Attorney, who suggests that there is kinder and gentler sort of licensing company that a Troll, that acts to propagate technology and encourage R&D by allowing researchers to profit from their labours. However, it might also be said that the difference between a patent troll and an elf in one of perception – licensing companies tend to see themselves as nice and friendly elves, licensees see than as more unpleasant and extortionate trolls.