Chapter 54

: There's no saving them, just wait to die.

Chapter 54: There's no saving them, just wait to die.

Half an hour later, in the bedroom.

Lying limply on the bed, Ethan stared blankly at the ceiling. The walls, already yellowed, bore the marks of time.

But at this moment, Ethan had no interest in any of that, because his mind was already overwhelmed by a torrent of information.

The teacher Vinton that Evelyn Jensen mentioned was actually a co-inventor of the TCP/IP protocol?

Then isn't this guy the father of the Internet?!

These are some of the top scientists in the United States!

A true big shot who will be able to influence policy-making and even amend laws in the future!

This incredibly powerful person is actually my sister's backer?

Oh--

Ethan Jones covered his mouth, trying hard not to laugh out loud.

No matter how hard he tried, the "hoarse" sound still slipped out from between his fingers.

Although it sounds a bit vulgar, he was genuinely happy!

As a transmigrator, he might not have any cheat codes, but that doesn't matter, right? Having powerful backers to rely on is just as good!

After Ethan Jones laughed, he gradually calmed down and began to ponder Evelyn Jensen's words.

In fact, when Evelyn Jensen revealed that Barbara Babcock's help to Vinton Cerf was self-serving, an investment to solidify their relationship and make a long-term favor, Ethan Jones was already surprised by Barbara Babcock's honesty and her actions.

As a lawyer, she did not pursue extreme financial gain, a behavior that seemed out of place in America, a country known for its vulture lawyers. However, her meticulous management of her network of contacts set her apart from others.

money?

This thing might be enough for her.

Extending her influence to every corner of America—that's what people like her strive for most.

"Looks like truly talented people are talented no matter where they are!"

"Are people with the ability to change the world the most valuable social resource in the world?"

"Wow, this theory is really practical."

Lying in bed, Ethan Jones felt a mix of emotions, but at the same time, he realized that he had indeed made some mistakes.

Everyone who truly dedicates themselves to technology possesses a heart set on changing the world. They care more about their inventions than anyone else, and in this context, they will carefully select project investors.

In this process, when they discover that there are investors in this world who can help others realize their dreams without even securing their own interests, they will definitely wave their projects and flock to them!

Helping Chuck Patel resolve the patent issues surrounding MOS 6502 would likely come at the expense of his own interests.

But if things go well, Ethan Jones will definitely have a good reputation in the tech world!

By then, Ethan Jones believed that as long as he dared to start an investment company, tech entrepreneurs would overwhelm him with a plethora of projects!

With helpful examples and generosity, that's what entrepreneurs envy most!

"Damn it! Reputation is worth more than money!"

"Even if Sequoia Capital is awesome, it's just nominal angel investing. And what about me?"

"My dear sister, are you trying to push me towards becoming a saint?"

Having decided to help Chuck Patto, Ethan Jones didn't hesitate any longer. He got up, slipped out of the room, and quietly went to his sister's bedroom, gently knocking on the door.

The "bang bang bang" sounds seem like a call to the future, but also more like a farewell to one's immature self.

"What?" came an impatient question from inside the house.

"Evelyn, when are we going to see Ms. Barbara?" Ethan Jones asked with a smile.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't help?" a sarcastic voice peeked out. "Yes~ I am that kind of snob~"

"Sister~ I was wrong~" Ethan Jones is the kind of person who admits his mistakes and corrects them.

While admitting his mistake, he also very proudly pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and recited what he had just written: "Sister~ I didn't go to university, I didn't receive higher education, and my understanding of the world is not deep enough, so the aspects I consider when doing things are limited by my limited perspective. After listening to what you said, I have deeply realized this problem, and I think what you said makes a lot of sense, so..."

"Squeak~"

Before Ethan could finish reading the cheat sheet, Evelyn pulled open the closed bedroom door from the inside.

She had changed her clothes and looked very capable in a shirt and jeans outfit.

This situation caught Ethan completely off guard. He clenched his right hand tightly to hide the note, while simultaneously raising his left hand slightly to greet her.

"Hi~"

"Hmph~ Not a shred of sincerity."

Evelyn muttered something, then slipped out of the room and went downstairs first.

"Let's go~ I just called Barbara, she's at home right now, we can just come over."

…………

Barbara Babcock also lives in Palo Alto, just a few minutes' drive from Los Gatos.

When Ethan stopped in front of a three-story villa as instructed by his sister, Barbara, who had heard the commotion, had already opened the door to welcome them.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, she invited the two of them into the house, bringing out fruit and coffee, as well as desserts and snacks. Her spontaneous enthusiasm made Ethan and Evelyn feel somewhat flattered.

After repeatedly expressing their politeness, the three of them got down to business. Since Ethan had already prepared his ideas on the way here, his description of the problem was concise and to the point.

Only three points—

1. I have discovered the world's cheapest central microprocessor.

2. The front-end version of this central microprocessor has been found to infringe on another party's patent. The patent holder has sued the developer, and the two parties have reached an out-of-court settlement. The developer waives all rights to the front-end version and compensates the patent holder with US$200,000.

3. It was precisely because the previous version developed by the R&D team had patent infringement issues that they redeveloped the current new version. This new version is very easy to use, and if it were launched to the market at a low price, it would definitely have a huge impact on the current personal computer industry. However, due to patent issues, the R&D team has been hesitant to officially release it.

In conclusion, I was moved by the selfless spirit of the R&D team and wanted to help them. Therefore, I would like to consult you about whether there is any way to help them obtain a patent for their new central microprocessor.

When Evelyn Jensen heard Ethan Jones say that she admired Chuck Patto and his group and decided to help them, she leaned back on the sofa and pursed her lips, almost bursting out laughing.

Barbara Babcock, who was listening attentively, didn't notice the girl's details. After hearing Ethan Jones's description, the blonde-haired law professor simply pushed up her glasses, looking completely bewildered.

Because she felt...

Ethan is being ridiculous.

"Ethan, are you kidding me?" Barbara asked.

"Ms. Barbara, why do you say that?" Ethan asked, puzzled.

"Because your question has no answer!" Ms. Barbara leaned back, spread her hands, and said, "You just said that the developers and the patent holders have reached a settlement regarding the infringement issue of the previous generation chip?"

"Yes." Ethan nodded.

"Then this matter is very simple. The developer has already admitted to the world that they did indeed infringe on someone else's patent!"

Barbara raised her voice and said, "In this situation, their redevelopment of infringing products is infringement from any perspective!"

"The key point is that they actually used the naming convention of their previous infringing products for their new product?"

"Oh my God! Isn't this insane?"

"You might think my wording is a bit inappropriate, but I want to tell you that the logic I'm talking about now is the same logic that judges and juries use in court!"

"They don't understand technology! All they can understand are product code names! If MOS 6501 has already been confirmed to infringe on Motorola's 6800 patent, then when Motorola sues MOS, saying that 6502 also infringes on their patent, because just by looking at the code name, it's clear that 6502 is a continuation of the infringing product, then the judge in court will agree with Motorola!"

"Their thinking would be this: if MOS 6502 doesn't infringe on any rights, why not change the name? Why insist on naming it after a product that's already been confirmed to infringe? When your R&D company feels that your new product isn't significantly different from its predecessor, how can you expect a judge in court to believe that MOS 6502 doesn't infringe on any rights?"

Barbara crossed her legs, her face full of speechlessness—

"If the naming conventions are not consistent, then we can ask professionals to assess whether the two chips are highly similar. But when the naming conventions are consistent..."

"There's no need to even fight this lawsuit; MOS is bound to lose."

"This isn't a question of whether they infringed on anyone's rights, but rather a question of whether they're even mentally sound!"

Barbara stopped there.

After pausing for two seconds, she said, "Ethan, I have a suggestion for you."

"Don't worry about this kind of thing."

"The MOS 6502 chip is beyond saving."

"Just wait to die!"

(End of this chapter)