Patent or perish: the best defense is a good offense

Peach Pit and Stem (PPS) Corporation called a meeting with Rinky-Dink Mom-n-Pop Shop to discuss Mom-n-Pop's recent rise to fame and fortune in the telecommunications industry. After extensive research and testing, Mom-n-Pop had implemented a low cost private communication network by using fiber optic cables and ceramic mugs rather than the traditional string and paper cups. (The ceramic mugs reportedly facilitate converting voice messages into digital signals that can be transmitted over fiber optic cable.) PPS has been losing sales on its extensive telecommunications network ever since Mom-n-Pop introduced its network. Joseph Blower, president of PPS, seemed anxious for the meeting, so Mom and Pop Jones (owners of Mom-n-Pop) felt confident that he was ready to put his cards on the table. Mom was hoping for some kind of joint venture, while Pop expected a takeover attempt. The PPS actually accused Mom-n-Pop of patent infringement.<
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