At the last SHM 9/17/08, with a few posters in here present as was I, the goal of EDIG/DM was never to seek ongoing royalties, but one time settlements and cross licensing agreements (XLA). Point being, the one time fee to settle paid for past wrong doings by our thieves, and the XLA's offer an opportunity for EDIG to come out with new products in new markets etc for the future of the company.
This is not to say that a few of the 184 (this is the exact # of known infringers on that day from chart) might not offer up a royalty deal as part of a settlement, but it is NOT how EDIG/DM was pursuing the cases as stated that day. The key point here, is XLA's was deemed by EDIG to provide a better long term revenue stream than royalties.
Two quotes to refresh memories:
RP: "We are not seeking royalties, but one time settlements and XLA's." I'd bet he said it 3-4 times.
RP: "Our enemies of today, will be our of partners tomorrow."
Now, a bit of input and speculation on my part...to help prove the point from the meeting.
- Our current patent portfolio will start to expire in 2014, and all will be done by 2016. You can check their website for this info.
- XLA's, although not part of each of the 6 settlements thus far, is a major step in securing a long term future. This opens up doors that we cannot do on our own, at the present time. If a XLA is beneficial to the parties, it becomes part of the settlement, or it does not...simple as that.
- Partnerships, REAL partnerships, not like the ones that we thought we had 10+ years ago, but iron clad signed contracts and joint marketing efforts etc etc, can be a blockbuster for us...IMO!!
- There remains the possibility, and there was some chat to this effect before the meeting was called to order, that an offer from Samsung other than a settlement agreement could surface. This is where the RP statement fit in, "we are not for sale for less than $21/share." Chum, hype, razzle dazzle? You tell me...
Our great board can say, "I'd rather have this, or I'd rather have that", but the FACT is, the two RP quotes above. If something changes, we will hear about it in company communications.
I hope this clears the air on a few of the current paths our company is on.
GLTA, DISCHINO.
