Okay, there does seem to be clarity on this board that the issue at hand is whether Moore/TPL and PTSC can settle out of court. It`s not necessarily about any possible buy out action (though I suppose that is a possibility). What I`m confused about is the timing issue....

I have been under the impression that Moore/TPL AND PTSC (emphasis on AND) requested a two week slip in their next court appearance (to 6/10), as out-of-court settlement discussions were ``bearing fruit``. This suggests that a settlement, if one is to be had near term, would (was expected to) be achieved before that date, thereby making further court appearances unnecessary (would the court so willingly grant the motion if that were not the case?).

Now there is some speculation that not only is Moore (and Leckorn & Co.) on his knees, hat in hand, seeking settlement with PTSC, but that the sole purpose of the Friday 6/10 court appearance is to disclose that an out-of-court settlement has been achieved (this being the issue I`m curious about).

Is this just another off-the-wall bunch of smelly stuff (like the ``Intel MUST buy PTSC`` stuff)? If they reach a settlement, why appear in court at all? Just call and advise and FAX/send the court the paper! Meanwhile, announce it to the world BEFORE 6/10. Are my conclusions sensible, or am I losing it?!!! Is there any credibility/reasonableness to this other person`s conclusion? Is that conclusion everybody`s thought, and I`m just out here in left field? Help me! Cuz...

I KNOW nuttin`!

I do know that someone (?sorry) made a very good point re: the terms of the Moore/TPL-Intel licensing agreement. Must not be much, if any, money coming in if Leckorn can`t come up with $1M. He is just a peice of the action, but big action iy SHOULD be - unless the terms are as suggested where royalties are contingent on proof of ownership. But, then again, I wouldn`t put it past Intel to say that they are currently not infringing and only licensed in advance of a potential future need (i.e., the license is worthles to Moore/TPL without entering litigation with Intel to prove infringement). Isn`t that kinda the feel of the PTSC-AMD agreement (or was that only in regard to the non-``Fish Clock`` IP that was licensed?).

Still need help. Sorry for the long post and all the questions, but answers/opinions of others are sincerely requested!

SGE