I'm a little surprised that this happenstance hasn't received a bit more attention. Perhaps everything that needed to be said/speculated has already been said?

I've been kicking this around prior to posting, but I believe some posters had it right yesterday. I welcome input from any attorneys, or anyone for that matter, but it certainly does seem that the only way the legal representation for Barco could suddenly become the new legal representation for TPL/PTSC in this case is if there had indeed been a settlement reached with Barco. I cannot see where there would not be a major conflict of interest, obvious to all (the court), if this were not the case. Barco's former legal reps (now our legal reps against HTC/ACER) would be privy to Barco Corp.'s entire arsenal of data compiled to combat TPL/PTSC. I don't see a way around the conflict of interest that would arise if we were still doing battle with Barco.

Some have speculated as to the WHYs. Money has been mentioned, and that's certainly a probable factor. Wanting to be on the "winning side" could be part of the equation, and that certainly would bode well for us. Those would be reasons for THEM to want to join us. But what about the other side of this equation - why do we want THEM? Could be we were simply impressed with their legal skills? Maybe their negotiating skills?

But I've been thinking more along the lines of strategy and intimidation. I suspect that Acer and HTC, as well as their legal reps, were probably a bit shocked by Barco's legal reps suddenly "joining the enemy". This on top of the (probable IMO) Barco settlement factor. A double whammy. A "bit shocked" may be a serious understatement, perhaps more like "blown away" or "thrown for a loop".

What I find even more interesting is that there is not yet a PACER for a settlement with Barco. And I don't believe there has been a PACER identifying Barco's new legal representation (assuming the possibility that the battle continues), which one would think would come on the heels of that PACER identifying Barco's former legal reps as TPL/PTSC's new legal reps. Watch for PACERS!

I welcome comment, particularly from attorneys.

Now, even more interesting (!) is the trading action today. In light of the above, you'd think there would at least be some "buying the rumor".

JMHOs, and I KNOW nuttin'!

SGE