Ask HN: Why are e-ink note-taking devices so expensive compared to iPads?

Re:Ask HN: Why are e-ink note-taking devices so expensive co... by Misdicorl on Monday February 15, 2021 @06:49PM (#26149255)

I think the missing step is likely the many millions dollars it takes to defend yourself in patent court.

Even if you're likely to win, it brings a generic offering below profitability.

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Re:Ask HN: Why are e-ink note-taking devices so expensive co... by marcus_holmes on Monday February 15, 2021 @06:58PM (#26149339)

This. A patent is not protection against competitors copying details of your product. A patent is a ticket to an incredibly expensive court battle.

To a certain degree, it doesn't matter if your patent isn't completely valid, or doesn't completely match what your competitors are doing. The point is to have deeper pockets than them and be able to spend more on lawyers than them. As long as your patent lasts long enough in court to stop your competitors from doing whatever you don't want them to do, it has achieved its goal.

Patents are so broken.

(IANAL, just an MBA who's heard some war stories).

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