[dhekir]

> I'm at work and not allowed to read active patents.

Is that related to legal issues (as in, if you don't read patents, there's less chance that you'll end up being prosecuted if you accidentally implement something similar)?

[kps]

I believe damages can be higher if you _knowingly_ infringe on a patent vs _unknowingly_ infringe on a patent, but I don't even play a lawyer on TV.

[Thorrez]

Yes, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treble_damages

[mycall]

This is what "clean room" duplication efforts try to bypass.