Original: http://www.heckel.org/Heckel/ACM%20Paper/patsers.htm

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When Will People Take Software Patents Seriously?

Many are taking patents seriously now. More startups and established companies are getting patents. However, people will not really take them seriously until the first $100 million judgment. Best bet: Refac v. Lotus. It will probably go to trial in 1993. Lotus could find itself facing a $50 to 300 million judgment and an injunction against future sales. This will likely bring Lotus to the negotiating table. $50 to 300 million should considered in the light of what others have made in the software industry. Lotus earned its founder about $200 million for a few years effort and Microsoft's Bill Gates is worth about $7 billion.

(Last updated on 10/06/98)

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