[kramarczyk]

Is it possible that the intent of this patent is not to divide the various organizations, but to provide a means to join them? I will agree with the idea that this patent is defensible in court is ludicrous, but it could be a political tool. Licensing 'coopertition' for $1 among the various organizations could provide a series of media bites to draw attention to S&T. It also provides a tangible reference to point at during the PR battle to promote change.

The question then becomes, will other organizations play ball with this idea... coopertition between organizations. Dean has said for a while that he thinks companies should behave more like the teams. FIRST can't take this to a corporate level by itself, it needs a partner. Perhaps licensing this patent is percieved as a way to demonstrate that.

So did VEX have to say pretty please? Nah, but I wouldn't be surprised if somebody wants a dollar.