I find it hard to believe that a startup has the funds to engage in protracted litigation or that you've found a competent attorney/firm who's willing to undert

I find it hard to believe that a startup has the funds to engage in protracted litigation or that you've found a competent attorney/firm who's willing to undertake that on a contingency basis. Even if you do have the funds to pay for ongoing litigation (I would not be shocked to hear of bills in tens, of not hundreds of thousands per month) do you also have funds to continue operating your business until a resolution is reached? If you've only got 9 months in on this thing, walk away and find something else. This has been a cheap lesson for you so far.