[lwerdna]

I don't follow. In a secretary problem, you have multiple offers, but can consider only one at a time, and cannot revisit past offers.

If there only one company can unlock, then it's just a 1:1 negotiation.

If there are multiple companies, Stefan can review bids and accept the lowest.

[saalweachter]

It's not quite the secretary problem, but he does have the option to wait N years and see if someone else comes up with a technique, or if the technique eventually leaks.

Waiting 9 more years to unlock the drive for free versus taking 50% now is equivalent to investing at 8% annual returns.