The patents have no value if the ultimate owners are unable to enforce them. Once the patent exists, it is a tradable asset like copyright.

I'm pretty sure I don't like the idea that patents or copyrights can be transferred. There is the issue in both cases of cooperative invention or writing thought, and I'm not sure how to deal with that.

Even if they weren't tradeable this would still happen. The troll law firms would approach holders and ask to represent them in defending their IP, on a 'no win no fee' basis.

Well, if your dad came up with a great idea, but was getting a little old, wouldn't you want him to be able to pass it to you to see into action?