That's a complicated subject. A patent is not worth much unless it finds it's way into a useful product(s) that someone is willing to pay for. Because IT is frequently stolen and/or imitated it is often necessary to file suit for patent infringement. I believe there is a case before the Supreme Court at present which involves the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) which was set up under the Obama administration to make it easier to defend against patent infringement. Given the change in Courts makeup and the new administration, the AIA could likely be overruled in the case being heard and the whole premise for it's existence done away with which would in effect allow the reopening and remediation of EDIG's previous lawsuits. At least that's my general understanding of the matter. In other words, if the AIA is done away with, this would be a game changer for EDIG.
Just one of several things I've recently run across. You can check it out yourself by doing a little research. Anyway, just my opinion on the subject since you brought it up.
GLTA/EDIG!