Why do you think big Fortune 500 companies work so hard on developing their patent portfolios? They don't want someone to come along and rip off their invention that they invested so much time, money and effort in. For example, just look at some of very high profile multi-billion dollar patent infringment lawsuits out there (e.g., cellphone technology, pharmaceutical drugs, etc.). Companies in some instance have recovered hundreds of millions to billions of dollars in patent infringment lawsuits. In some cases companies have recovered punitive damages on top of actual damages in these cases. In fact, the UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT in June 2016 just made it easier for patent holders to collect punitive damages on top of actual damages.
Anyhow, I won't listen to anybody downplaying this patent, they most likely don't even understand what a patent is and it's function. Getting a patent on such a unique game changing technology in the shipping industry is a HUGE accomplishment and should reap VERY BIG rewards for DDCC and its investors!
