Well in this case the developer of NMS specifically said he was struggling with planet generation until he discovered that exact formula, so you can understand

Well in this case the developer of NMS specifically said he was struggling with planet generation until he discovered that exact formula, so you can understand why there is _some_ (not a lot mind) reasoning for the company who owns this patent (who are making a game involving it iirc) are making this claim. Judging by their statement though it seems they want more of a 'partnership' type thing (knowledge sharing, ride on NMS coattails for a bit etc)