[crucialfelix]

It's usually cheaper to settle than to go to court. A company I worked for got hit (apparently using TLS violates their patent. Even though it's the browser that initiated the connection). Company simply paid up because it was cheaper.

[desine]

Unfortunately this is one of those instances where looking out for oneself (in a business sense) does more harm to society than eating the costs and fighting the battle.

IANASBO (I am not a Small Business Owner) so I can't say I wouldn't necessarily do any different, sadly. But I like to think I would.