I'm starting a business that will be fairly small for a while (less than $100k for a few years).
Should I bother doing a Delaware C-Corp, because if a patent troll sues me, I'd have to go to Delaware!
Otherwise, should I just start a regular Wisconsin business ( or C-Corp )
If you're in Wisconsin, getting sued in either Delaware or Texas would pretty much stink an equal amount. Lots of travel, lots of legal costs.
The funny thing is even though E.D.Tx has a reputation for patent troll heaven, the win percentage in a few other districts tends to be higher, and also resolution tends to be faster.
If I was to sue on these two bases, I'd file suit in N.D.Tx (Dallas, Wichita Falls, or Abilene) or D.Nev (Las Vegas or Reno) and not Delaware or E.D.Tx.
If you want to go public or be acquired, don't get cute- just get set up in Delaware, where everybody goes. That's what VC's expect to see. If you're going to simply do business in Wisconsin, incorporate in Wisconsin (where you can be your own registered agent, assuming you're going to stay there).