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Against Monopoly

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Monopoly corrupts. Absolute monopoly corrupts absolutely.





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Patent troll cashes out

Forgent Networks has claimed for some years to own a patent covering JPEG compression. Those it sued generally concluded that it was cheaper to pay than to defend their right, although for several years the patent has been challenged as involving prior art. The Patent office agreed to review the case last winter but the process is a long one. Seeing the end of this gravy train, Forgent has now settled the last of its claims for $8 million. Forgent had about 60 license deals worth $100 million in royalties. (Links include news.com, techdirt, techdirt, and techdirt)

This case makes it pretty clear that our patent system is busted.


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