First, think of the probable situation. Word leaks, deal undone. And remember the Court is directly involved.

Second, think about Lecky.... Need I say more?

Third, think of the situation our CEO was in. If he wasn't fully aware, no harm no foul. If he was made fully aware, then he was also made aware of the consequences of a leak or even leaving the issue open. What would you do in his position? Spew, and blow the deal, any further chances with Ward, create credibility issues with potential future licensees who wouldn't want the terms of their deals revealed, etc., etc.? Or nip the issue in the bud, arguably in the best interest of shareholders?

When this has come up before, I made reference to experiences in the classified world. I'll spare you a repeat. But if someone were to ask anyone with a clearance a direct question like "do you know anything about project XYZ", you don't say "I'm not at liberty to comment" (i.e., "yes"), you say "NO". Nip it in the bud, make the threat go away (and probably report the incident to Security).

Is something less at stake here? CEO's career, possible devastation of the licensing program, a very unfriendly court, shareholders with pitchforks and torches, etc.

I'm certainly not saying that this IS what happened, only pointing out why it could have happened.

FWIW And IMO this is one of those pointless redundant arguments/discussions. Not knocking you 'cuz I invited comment. It's just a "maybe, but we'll just have to wait and see, assuming we'd be able to see anything" thing.

I'll try again not to address it further, ever, until something provocative along these lines actually happens.

SGE