2 ms·
> I know this sounds absurd to a lot of people, but it makes sense on some levels. Take the names out of the mix and it's a bit easier to detach your emotions
by azakai 15y ago
> I know this sounds absurd to a lot of people, but it makes sense on some levels. Take the names out of the mix and it's a bit easier to detach your emotions
> * PhoneCorp invents a new interface that is unique, useful, and makes phones very easy to use
> * BizPhones thinks this technology is good and would also like to incorporate it in to their product
> * BizPhones negotiates a licensing agreement so they can use the technology, making it possible for more consumers to enjoy the benefits, and fairly compensating PhoneCorp
That description is clearly in favor of one side of the argument here.
Here is an alternative description:
> * PhoneCorp files a patent for a fairly general and obvious concept.
> * BizPhones makes a phone, without reading PhoneCorp's patent. The phone sells like hotcakes.
> * PhoneCorp threatens to sue BizPhones for 'infringing' its patent, if BizPhones doesn't pay a 'license fee'.
- Steko 15y agoPeople don't write hundred million dollar checks for a single obvious invalid patent. There's like 20 companies signed up. There's a reason they all sign up and it's probably pretty compelling evidence that MS has multiple unlikely to be overturned or easily worked around patents being infringed.
- kumarm 15y agoYou forgot to mention that most of them are also Microsoft's Partners and has other business interests with MSFT.
- azakai 15y agoThere are definitely reasons for them signing up. Among them: 1. The risk of being sued. Even if the patents are bogus, they will still lose a lot of money from defending themselves. 2. Microsoft sweetens the deal with other business interests of theirs. For example, a discount on Windows licenses.