Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : VALENCE TECHNOLOGY (VLNC) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Peter O. who wrote (20042)	6/12/2000 10:43:00 PM
From: Richard M. Jimmink	Respond to of 27311

Peter, To prosecute patent violations is costly and time consuming. To license the patented technology,is big $$$$$$$$$$$bucks. Dick

To: Peter O. who wrote (20042)	6/13/2000 9:06:00 AM
From: Dennis V.	Respond to of 27311

Peter, I agree with the general comments on patents, etc but would like to add one thing. If a company holds a fundamental process patent, such as the one lately claimed by VISX, the relative weight should be stepped to the top of the list as with the drug patents and their relative importance. Valence's patents are more of the "bracketing and clustering" kind as explained in a past CC. Meaning, I think, that they cover permutations and variations of implementing some fundamental concept or invention.

To: Peter O. who wrote (20042)	6/13/2000 9:07:00 AM
From: John Curtis	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 27311

Peter: This doesn't surprise me in the least. Indeed, I expect, with the continuing "weaving together" of the planet by the communications web civilization is creating, that the comment of secrecy, lead time, sales skills, and manufacturing capabilities all ranked higher, will command an even higher tactical position. After all...to file patents is to grant to the world access to your design constraints/idea. Not to mention it also puts on a clock the 'ol exclusivity clauses. However, with the internet....hell...let's keep it simple and say a few hired guns designated to continually pour over any/all patent filings, it has become remarkable easy to use what is found within national patent databases at manufacturing facilities on other, less legally accessible, areas of the planet. All a conspiring company need do is have a window of a few years, within which they crank out product and garner sufficient market share/profits/earnings/etc.. Then they either fold their tent and go home, or mount a legal "Who......ME?" defense to maximize the stall and continued profits, or they acquiesce for some fraction of what they made. All of the above have happened in the business world. Does it happen often? Often enough I guess. One could say all's fair in love, war, and business, eh? So, is it any wonder companies are now maximizing the various tactics of secrecy? Particularly the small companies trying to enter an elephant(s) territory? ;-) John~