Domain investors are used to getting some pretty interesting emails, whether it is someone making a $10 offer on a premium domain name, or if it is an end user replying that they should get a domain offered to them for free. We also see over reaching trademark concerns sending letters out asking for domains or filing a UDRP. At those times you may want to fire off a remark like Chris Hulls, Founder of Life360. I read an article last night on Venture Beat where Hulls gave a rather unusual response to a company claiming their patent was infringed upon. Life360 received a complaint from AGIS with regards to a patent dealing with cellular communication. From the article:
The patent in question, U.S. patent 7031728, covers “a cellular PDA communication system for allowing a plurality of cellular phone users to monitor each others’ location and status,” by viewing symbols representing each person superimposed on a map. The patent also covers the ability to call other people by tapping on those map markers. The company holding the patent, whose full name is Advanced Ground Information Systems, may not be a patent troll in the classic sense (a company that doesn’t actually use its patents). AGIS in fact has several products. It was started by Malcolm K. “Cap” Beyer, a former U.S. Marine, according to the lawsuit. AGIS has a system called LifeRing that allowed first responders and military personnel to coordinate with one another in the field through maps on PDA or cellphone screens. It integrates with military command-and-control systems and offers Android and iOS versions. (You can read the full complaint from AGIS, uploaded to Scribd by Pando Daily.)
The reply of founder, Chris Hull is below:
Dear Piece of Shit, We are currently in the process of retaining counsel and investigating this matter. As a result, we will not be able to meet your Friday deadline. After reviewing this matter with our counsel, we will provide a prompt response. I will pray tonight that karma is real, and that you are its worthy recipient. Chris
Read the full article here
The article goes on to say that the company has always settled disputes and avoided going to court where it can be both costly and time consuming. It will be interesting to see if the rather snarky reply will make any attempts at settling futile. Life360 did just raise $50Million so that may have Hulls feeling a little more confident.
I know of a couple of cases with domain investors that started out rather hostile, that after bringing in a third party were able to get a deal done. I mediated one such deal where I was brokering a domain and the squabble was only a difference of $500, things got heated and I just had to ignore the commentary of my seller and just smoothed it over with the buyer.
Richard says
May 19, 2014 at 8:17 pmThat was hysterical, thx for sharing.
Matthew Crowder says
May 20, 2014 at 8:20 pmThat’s the way you own those assholes when they’re overreaching. So sick of greedy suits that think they can bully us. Liking the change in the blog.