I had lunch with the founder of a early success in the Software industry yesterday, he is doing fine, and he talked about the new Patent law which awards the First to Ship…
Interesting, because I have always supported an improvement in the present Patent system especially the methodology to insure the original works creators are protected… And had done a small ExpertWitness research for transactions over the Internet…
When Intel offered to invest in DiagSoft, I knew I needed skills that I did not have, so typical of Silicon Valley, I contacted people I knew, my old Bosses at Microform Data Systems to become DiagSoft Board of Director Advisors, they were concerned about legal protection for Board Members and we could not afford coverage, so they became Board Advisors, often meeting with me offsite or offhours… When the time came to repurchase DiagSoft’s stock from Intel, I went to IBM and DEC and requested an advance of royalties, to be recouped at 50% per period, to not drown out our cash flow, and settled with Intel and repurchased our stock. I owned 100% of DiagSoft, Inc. at the time of sale to Sykes, Inc.
Both Intel and Sykes, Inc. did extensive due diligence prior to investment and merger. This included Work For Hire Agreements, Clear Copyrights and history of QAPlus and all versions. Escrow of Source Code (periodically), Copyrights, Trademarks, etc. or they would not invest, or acquire… Debt to Equity Covenants, etc.
IBM requested Source Code Escrow, and clear proof of title in order to OEM QAPlus.
Some of the learning experiences that relate to my EDU Plan are directly related to these individuals who did not receive anything other than a per Board Meeting fee. John Dorchak of Electromec-Manpower era, and Intel, was my old boss, and confidant, and go between with the Intel SR. VP Level, and even Gordon Moore, behind the scenes… He had me meet with a very Sr. Level Intel Exec and instantly everything that was political, stopped. It was a remarkable neat meeting.
Board Members can be a difficult relationship for all involved, due to Return on Investment issues unique to each member…
The EDU Plan considers these complexities and has included a Zero Gravity Legal Services ability to assist remote Entrepreneurs…
Entrepreneurs need solutions to market… EDU Plan.
Does the new Patent Law help me as the creator and First Customer Ship of QAPlus, QAPlus/FE, and ETSC for Electronic Technical Support over the Internet…?