Couple things 1. I assume that processes or advancements related to the patent actually do improve the business function or process, that alone probably makes

Couple things 1. I assume that processes or advancements related to the patent actually do improve the business function or process, that alone probably makes the pay out worth it. I know a few companies that have process improvement programs where employees can earn more than the person in this story if they successfully submit an idea that does something to improve the companies process, reduce costs, etc. has nothing to do with patents 2. The value of software patents today is NOT to litigate against other companies, companies fill out their software and other IP today to protect themselves FROM litigation, if a company finds themselves on the wrong end of a litigation their own patent portfolio is ammo both offensively (counter-suite) and defensively