It’s a pretty standard clause. Why would EA give up their IP for free. Don’t get me wrong, I get it’s cool to hate EA and I’m definitely down with hating them as much as the next gamer. But this isn’t an example of them being evil.

> Why would EA give up their IP for free.

Why is it even possible for them to patent stuff like this? There should be no IP to own in the first place.

I also hate patent laws as much as the next person, but what you’re now complaining about is a much bigger issue and one that’s not going to change any time soon.

This kind of defensive use of patents I’m actually ok with. Indie firms who can’t afford expensive patent disputes benefits and in the mean time it protects EA against larger firms.

The bigger issue here isn’t the clause, it’s peoples dislike of EA. Sure EA have earned that distrust but this isn’t one of their shitty moves.

Again, not free.

That’s was my point. Why should they give it up for free? EA aren’t a charity.

Plus as I’ve said before, this kind of clause is really quite common. Even FOSS has done it on occasions

No money is paid. It’s definitely free.