InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[jhaw]

Like everyone else, I was very surprised by the departure of Howard and Rip at this critical time. I am not particularly sad to see them go, but the timing stinks. I believe, as do many here, that their departure is directly related to the Nokia settlement negotiations.

In their court filings, Nokia has repeatedly brought up the fact that 1) the press release on the Ericsson settlement contained projections of the impact of the settlement on Nokia, and 2) that IDCC executives sold stock after this press release and before the revelation that Nokia was requesting arbitration, as well as seeking to intervene in the IDCC-Ericsson lawsuit. I would not be surprised if Nokia was reluctant to come to terms with those responsible for these two events.

IMHO the press release and stock sales are both objectionable to Nokia and directly related to this management change. This will hopefully remove an obstacle, if not act as a catalyst, for a settlement with Nokia. We will know shortly.