Liquidmetal Technologies Inc (LQMT)

[Eicheljager]

That would imply that Eontec has some IP that Apple needs. Apple cannot get to that IP through LQMT because the PLA/JDA excludes CE (to protect Eontec from Apple, and Apple from Eontec). Once the JDA expires things get even harder for Apple unless a new agreement is made. If they go directly to Eontec, they lose the rights to any IP or trademarks that LQMT owns. If they stick with LQMT, they lose access to Eontec IP.

Maybe Li is playing good cop/bad cop to get a better deal out of Apple. Or maybe it is a coincidence.

If they have a solid date in March, maybe they already have a deal hashed out, but don't want to let the Liquidmetal cat out of the bag.

If Apple needed smaller parts in the meantime, and had Yihao make them, would Eontec Licensed Technical Information need to be disclosed?

It's all interesting to think about.