I understand that an infringement can be persued even after the patent has expired - if prior notice has been served. That's good news.

However, another problem with delays (PTO, legal, other) goes beyond the issue of patent expiration. Aside from the obvious delayed revenue there could be missed revenue. The products which now infringe could go out of production. Thus the threat of a stop-shipment ruling of the infringing product will not be a club over the head of former infringers who's products are no longer in production. Add to that the complications of frequent M&As where products are no longer in produciton and former companies don't exist.

Technology changes fast and replacement products will eventually employ better and faster ways of doing things - that's a given. It's best to get the licenses sold without delay.

In some postings last year I noted how important it was to get ready to achieve a big increase in sales when the Js issues where closed. For what it was worth, I suggested steps be taken to increase the capacity within TPL and Allianse by adding manpower and improving their licensing processes and systems. Capacity seems to have improved as refected in the sales numbers in the last 2 recently completed Qs. The issue is now the externally imposed delays and hurdles that we are seeing - they seem to virtually shut off sales for long periods of time. I have no idea how to go about fixing that and I don't know if we are home free of major delays after the re-exams are concluded.

A significant increase in the rate of license sales is needed. Can it happen? Will TPL be in control?