Dave Shrader wrote in message news:tiMpb.102695$Fm2.88131@attbi_s04...
Richard wrote:

SNIP

The only value of patents is in their being a depreciable asset. In
other words, valuable only to the bean counters to include in their
prospectus.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC

There is a second value in Patents: they assure lawsuits!!

Deacon Dave, W1MCE

I would question that statement in the U.S. Dave.
It is not a question of who is right or wrong with
respect to patents, its just a case who has the deepest
pockets and who can make enough money thru a violation
so they may hire a lawyer to manipulate the court so
a ruling is never made. Two cases I remember one the windshields
wiper case and the Sears and Roabucks wrench casewhere even
tho the plaintifs went bankrupt pursing justice those who
violated the law profited imensely. My patents on antennas
as well as the one I am claiming now will be abandond after award
since I could never stop any violation let alone pay the maintenance
fees.
My patent attempt are purely for my own satisfaction.
By the way, in some countries the loser picks up the costs which can
retard deep pocket violators in any court actions over those with
little money.
McDonalds found this out to their cost in the U.K. where their
opponents
had little money and were able to reap huge rewards.
Art