Half an hour later, in the bedroom.
Ethan lay on the bed, his eyes staring lifelessly at the ceiling, the yellowed walls bearing the marks of time.
But at this moment, Ethan had no interest in these details, as his mind was occupied by a turbulent surge of information.
The teacher Vint mentioned by his sister Evelyn Johnson turned out to be one of the co-inventors of the TCP/IP protocol?
So, this guy was practically one of the fathers of the Internet!
He was among the top scientists in America!
A figure capable of influencing policy-making and even amending laws in the future!
And such an impressive figure turned out to be Evelyn's connection?
Oh—
Ethan Jones covered his mouth, trying hard not to burst into laughter.
No matter how hard he tried, the 'hehehe' sound slipped through his fingers.
Although it sounded a bit inappropriate, he was genuinely happy!
As a transmigrator, he might not have cheat codes, but who cares? Having influential connections is just as good!
After Ethan finished laughing, he, now calmer, pondered Evelyn Johnson's words.
In fact, when Evelyn mentioned that Barbara Babcock's assistance to Vint Cerf was motivated by self-interest to strengthen their relationship and engage in long-term relationship investments, Ethan was already surprised. Surprised by Barbara Babcock's sincerity and her approach.
Money?
Maybe it's just enough for her.
Extending her influence to every corner of America, that's the real goal for someone like her.
"It seems that impressive people are impressive no matter where they are!"
"People capable of changing the world are the most valuable social resources in this world?"
"Wow, this theory is really practical."
Ethan Jones lying on the bed felt sentimental, but at the same time, he realized he made a mistake.
Every true tech enthusiast has a heart to change the world. They care more about their inventions than anyone else. In such cases, they would carefully choose their project investors.
In this process, when they discover that there is an investor in the world who can help others achieve their dreams without finalizing personal interests, they will definitely flock to that investor!
Helping Chuck Peddle solve the patent issue of the MOS 6502 chip might be a sacrifice of his own interests.
But if things work out, Ethan Jones will have a good reputation in the tech industry!
By then, Ethan believes that as long as he dares to start an investment company, those tech enthusiasts who want to start their own businesses will flood him with countless projects!
Assistance and generosity with examples are what entrepreneurs desire the most!
"Darn it! Reputation is more powerful than money!"
"Sequoia Capital might be impressive, but that's just a nominal angel investment. What about me?"
"My dear sister, are you trying to push me towards sainthood?"
Since he decided to help Chuck Peddle, Ethan Jones did not hesitate anymore. He got up from the bed, quietly left the room, and then stealthily approached his sister's bedroom, lightly knocking on the door.
The 'bang bang bang' sound seemed like a call to the future but also like a farewell to the immature self.
"What?" A somewhat impatient inquiry came from inside the room.
"Evelyn, when are we going to see Ms. Babcock?" Ethan Jones asked with a smile.
"Aren't you not helping?" A sarcastic voice emerged, "Yes, I'm that materialistic."
"Sis, I was wrong." Ethan Jones was someone who corrected his mistakes.
While admitting his mistake, he also, with great integrity, took out a piece of paper from his pocket and recited the statement he had just written: "Sis, I haven't been to college, haven't received higher education, and my understanding of the world is not deep enough. Therefore, my considerations are limited by my perspective. After listening to your words just now, I have deeply realized this issue. I think you make a lot of sense, so..."
"Squeak~" Before Ethan finished reading the note, Evelyn opened the tightly closed bedroom door from the inside.
She had changed her clothes by now, looking quite professional in a shirt and jeans.
This situation took Ethan by surprise, and he quickly hid the note with his right hand, while lifting his left hand in a greeting.
"Hi~"
"Hmph~ No sincerity at all."
Evelyn muttered, then walked out of the room, leading the way downstairs.
"Let's go! I just called Barbara, and she's at home. We can go straight there."
...
Barbara Babcock's place was also in Palo Alto, just a few minutes away from Los Gatos.
When Ethan parked in front of a three-story villa as per his sister's instructions, Barbara, who had heard the commotion, had already opened the door, welcoming their arrival.
After a brief exchange, she invited them inside, serving fruits, coffee, desserts, and snacks. The spontaneous warmth made Ethan and Evelyn a bit pleasantly surprised.
Expressing gratitude, the three then got down to business. Since Ethan had prepared his thoughts on the way there, his description of the issue was succinct.
Only three points—
1. I've discovered the world's cheapest central microprocessor.
2. The previous version of this microprocessor has been found to infringe on someone else's patent. The patent owner has sued the developers, and they've settled out of court. The developers have relinquished all rights to the previous version and compensated the patent owner with two hundred thousand dollars.
3. Due to the patent issue with the previous version, the developers have hesitated to officially release the new version. This new version is highly efficient, and if introduced to the market at an affordable price, it would undoubtedly have a huge impact on the current personal computer industry. However, due to the patent problem, the developers are reluctant to proceed.
Summary: I am moved by the selfless spirit of the developers and want to help them. Therefore, I would like to inquire if there is a way for their new central microprocessor to obtain a patent.
When Evelyn Johnson heard Ethan Jones mention that he admires Chuck Peddle and decided to help, she, leaning on the sofa, couldn't help but tighten her lips, almost bursting into laughter.
Barbara Babcock, on the other hand, a law professor with golden curly hair, paid no attention to the girl's details. After listening to Ethan Jones's description, this woman pushed up her glasses on her nose, looking puzzled.
Because she felt...
Ethan was joking.
"Ethan, are you joking with me?" Barbara asked.
"Barbara, why would you say that?" Ethan was a bit puzzled.
"Because your question has no answer!" Barbara leaned back, hands spread out, saying, "You just said that the developers and the patent owner have reached a settlement on the infringement issue of the previous chip, right?"
"Yes." Ethan nodded.
"Then this matter is simple. The developers have admitted to the world that they did infringe on someone else's patent!"
Barbara raised her voice, saying, "In this situation, based on the re-development of the infringing product, from any angle, it is still infringement!"
"The key point is, in naming the new product, they actually adopted the same naming convention as the previous infringing product?"
"Oh, my God! Isn't that madness?"
"You might find my wording a bit inappropriate, but let me tell you, the logic I'm presenting now is the logic of judges and juries in court!"
"They don't understand technology! All they can comprehend is product codes! If MOS 6501 has been confirmed to infringe on Motorola 6800's patent, and then Motorola sues MOS, claiming that 6502 also infringes on their patent because, just by looking at the code, it's clear that 6502 is a continuation of the infringing product, the judges in the court will believe Motorola!"
"Their line of thinking will be like this: If MOS 6502 is not infringing, why can't they choose a new name? Why insist on naming it after the confirmed infringing product? When your development company believes that your new product is not significantly different from the previous one, how can the judges in court believe that MOS 6502 did not infringe?"
Barbara crossed her legs, her face full of speechlessness.
"If naming is not continuous, professionals can be invited to assess whether the two chips have a high degree of similarity. But when naming is continuous..."
"There's no need for a trial. MOS is bound to lose."
"It's not a question of whether they actually infringed or not, but whether their minds are normal!"
Having said that, Barbara paused.
After a two-second contemplation, she said, "Ethan, let me give you advice."
"Forget about this kind of thing."
"MOS 6502, this kind of chip, can't be saved."
"Just wait for it to die!"