>>Still, I think you have a bias toward GLSI.<<
Absolutely right. I own a ton from '98. But that doesn't mean I'm blind.
GSLI haven't actually paid ESIO a cent. ESIO won the suit, and GSLI has reserved for the settlement amount, but now the PTO is reviewing the patent in question, which could result in an annulment and presumably a countersuit for lost profits, if the patent is found to be invalid. We'll see how it turns out.
Even though I don't own ESIO I'd like to see them do well, since they are in the same market as several other companies I do own, including GSLI. What I don't like is aggressive litigation. It brings unnecessary costs to both parties and generally distracts everyone involved. And as I said earlier, I assume corporate managements are roughly equal as far as willingness to push competitors' patent estate is concerned. The reason is that they are aware of the risks and seek informed counsel, which while not an exact science, probably gives a pretty clear picture where the limits are. On the other hand, there are litigious managements. VISX has spent a fortune on litigation and you can see where it's gotten them.
Since this all started with the PR about the suit, here's GSLI's response, including an interesting claim about market share in the drilling market:
"GSI Lumonics Inc. Responds to Patent Infringement Claim
KANATA, Ontario, Canada, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- GSI Lumonics Inc. (Nasdaq: GSLI - news; Toronto: LSI - news) today announced it has recently been named in a patent infringement suit by Electro Scientific Industries (Nasdaq: ESIO - news).
Based on extensive research by GSI Lumonics, and the opinion of outside counsel received in April 1999, the company believes it does not infringe on ESI's U.S. patent 5,847,960 titled ``Multi-Tool Positioning System'. GSI Lumonics also believes the claims by ESI are totally without merit.
GSI Lumonics has the number one market position in laser via hole drilling with its flagship GS600 system. The company is confident that its technology is proprietary and will move quickly to bring this matter to closure.
The company regrets if its customers and shareholders have been distracted by this claim."
biz.yahoo.com
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