blunn@keycorp.com.au wrote:
>
> Bob Lunn
> 11/11/97 04:25 PM
>
> > C'mon guys, you can sue Scenix, but you won't have
> > enough fingers to plug all the holes. If the technology
> > is within reach of a small company like Scenix, others
> > will follow.
>
>      Yeah, but what's this got to do with the validity
>      or otherwise of Microchip's claim?
>
>      After all, if Scenix HAS infringed a Microchip
>      patent (or Microchip reasonably BELIEVES that they
>      have) then Microchip MUST sue.  If they don't then
>      they risk losing their patent.  That's the way
>      the law works.  Don't blame Microchip.

I agree that (true) intellectual property should be protected.

>
>      Or are you saying that just because Scenix are
>      small, and doing work that is arguably interesting,
>      then Microchip should stand back and let their
>      intellectual property be stolen?
>
> ___Bob
>
> PS:  Don't worry, I AM as cynical as the next guy.  I
>      don't have any illusions about the use of patents
>      as business weapons rather than tools.

I think Mchip is just following good (business, not ethical)
strategy. A nice fat law suit will :
a) Buy them time to get their flash stuff out (6 months is
   but a moment in court)
b) Hopefully (for Mchip, that is) financially hurt Scenix enough
   to strap their cashflow.

I am sure you will agree that patents only benefit those that
have the sheckels to defend it.

I'll bet my bottom Rand (we can't afford Dollars ;) ) that, even
if there wasn't (isn't ?) an infringement, Mchip would have sued
anyway just to buy them some time.

I'm sure I'll be roasted much better for starting this thread
again ;)

--
Friendly Regards

Tjaart van der Walt
mailto:tjaart@wasp.co.za
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