I like your scenario and your opinion of a large amount or better yet a buy out.

However the issue remains as to them taking control of the market. They would still have to consider the approximate 170 infringers yet to be identified and how to handle that situation.

The only way to control the market would be to take them to court, win the ruling and get an injunction against all of them marketing the infringing products.

If settlement were in the game plan along with royalties, then it becomes a matter of economics on the ROI. What price would they pay vs. the amount of the settlements plus any negotiated royalties, if that was the plan.

Even though I would prefer a buy out and get rid of this 10 year albatross, I see many walls why a buy out is not in the cards.

I doubt we will find out what the obligations are/were once the final agreement is resolved and put to bed.

Like the details of the settlements to date, we know very little, not even the exact amounts of the initial group, except one.