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Is anyone else following Unocal's lawsuit in Los Angeles?  As Forbes explains it, this patent litigation, if successful, could add 50% to Unocal's earnings THIS YEAR ALONE!  More specifically, the Street expects Unocal to earn approx. $2.30 a share in fiscal 1997; however, the lawsuit represents potential additional earnings of $280 million (or $1.13 a share) if victorious.  THE SITUATION:  Unocal recently divested itself of the boat anchor refining and marketing assets, in exhcange for cash to fully focus on worldwide exploration & production.  But...they held on to one trick - a gasoline patent - that covers motor fuel currently MANDATED in the State of California, and others soon to come.  RESULT:  The Majors are pissed-off!!  Unocal beat them to the punch on the patent, so the big boys got mad and decided to sue.  If Unocal wins (and the trial is underway as I write), BIG MONEY; if they loose, we still have a very solid E&P company with a bright future and plenty of BUY recommendations by the major Wall Street brokerage houses.  END RESULT: huge potential, low risk.  And yes, options are traded.  Any comments are appreciated.
        
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