InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[The Count]

Getting licensing done

FTC CRACKING DOWN

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080219/apfn_research_in_motion_ahead_of_the_bell.html?.v=1

The Federal Trade Comission is cracking down on companies who particpate in the standard setting, agree to fair and reasonable licensing, then try ... seeking huge royalties .
Hmm, sounds like our own IDCC.
Doesn't sound like a good business practice, according to the FTC, and all the shareholders who bailed following the latest Nokia delays and set backs. I think Harry oughta check with the remaining investors, and see if they want to roll the dice all (in 7 years) or nothing (now and forever), or finally get this da#$@^% thing settled, now.

Doesn't sound like IDCC at all. They do offer FRAND rates - see IDCC's contract with LG. I am sure that if anyone else was willing to license on similar terms the deals would be done. MENS is pursuing all out war on royalty rates, only wanting to license on RAPIST terms (Refuse Any Payments, Incessantly Steal Technology). That doesn't sound like a good business practices to me, and I’m expecting that the ITC to agree. This is one investor who definitely wants to roll the dice with the ITC (should be done this year) to see if we can finally get some leverage to force companies to negotiate and come to agreement on FRAND terms. Until then, companies have a choice to pay IDCC now or delay and possibly pay later. IDCC has to create a compelling need to license because MENS is not going to do it without a gun to their heads. My hope and expectation is that the ITC is going to be Smith & Wesson for IDCC.

Your position is EXACTLY what MENS wants – settle for peanuts to get it done. Well F that. I believe IDCC has the goods. If they do, they should get fair compensation. If not, then they shouldn’t. But I will be pissed off if management settles like they did with ERICY for pennies on the dollar for 2G just as a decision was due.