Chapter 436 You have a plan, but I have a ladder
When Lu Yiming saw the court summons, he couldn't help but smile.
The executives in the office were all terrified when they saw the court subpoena.
In the 1980s and 1990s, most people were still very respectful of the so-called authoritative institutions such as the court, and tried to avoid lawsuits as much as possible. Therefore, when they saw this court summons, their first reaction was to wonder if Mingyuan Group had really committed a crime.
Lu Yiming waved the court summons in front of everyone and said with a smile: "This Shihan Company is really proactive. It's only been a few days and they have already received the court summons."
Song Honglin asked worriedly, "Mr. Lu, what should we do now? Should we recall all the MP3 players?"
"Why recall? Since Se-Han wants to sue us, we can just fight them. What are we afraid of?"
Song Honglin muttered with a sad face: "Boss Lu, the infringement will cost you a lot of money..."
In fact, the situation is worse than Song Honglin thought. Now it is not just a matter of money. Many people read newspapers and talk shows and subconsciously regard Mingyuan Technology as a copycat company with no technical content.
Even many people in the company who have no involvement in R&D think so.
After all, in the subconscious of people of this era, Xia Kingdom can only copy others, and the so-called technology is definitely plagiarized.
Moreover, in China at this time, counterfeiting can be said to be so rampant that it is no longer limited to the so-called scientific and technological field, but has penetrated into all aspects of life.
For example, if you go to the store downstairs to buy White Rabbit milk candy, you may accidentally buy White Rabbit milk-free candy.
The common people who have suffered greatly from counterfeit goods have a deep hatred for them, and it has almost become a conditioned reflex.
It is precisely because of this that when people heard that Mingyuan Technology had plagiarized, their first reaction was to boycott Mingyuan Technology, and no one checked the authenticity of the statement. Now, Mingyuan Technology is in a precarious situation.
"Even if we win the lawsuit, it will be difficult for us to change the first impression of the people."
"This is a dead end. The enemy cleverly used the media offensive and preconceived impressions to directly hit Mingyuan Technology hard."
Facing the crowd's discussions, Lu Yiming soothed them, "Don't panic, we haven't even started fighting yet, do you think I will lose?"
In the conference room, only Lu Yiming's gaze remained consistently firm.
No matter what kind of opponents or difficulties he faces, he will never bow his head or admit defeat.
Now that he is in a dead end, his ambitions have been aroused instead - let the storm come even more violently!
Someone asked: "Mr. Lu, I have read all those newspapers. Now the court subpoena has been issued. Is our product infringing?"
Lu Yiming did not shy away from it, and nodded slightly and said, "Yes."
Such a frank answer immediately caused quite a stir in the conference room.
“Is this really an infringement?”
"Then this lawsuit is bound to be lost?"
"We have to pay a lot of money, right?"
"Will the company go bankrupt? To be honest, I quite like working here."
"What can I do?"
The people who had no confidence in suing foreign-funded enterprises became even more panicked after hearing this answer. The status of private enterprises in Xia Country is very awkward. They are like state-owned enterprises that are not loved by their grandmothers or uncles. Their internal welfare benefits are not as good as those of the eldest son, and their external policy benefits are far inferior to those of foreign companies.
If a dispute really arises, it is hard to say who the authorities will help.
Lu Yiming waved his hand slightly and said calmly: "Don't panic, everyone. Although our MP3 products infringe on some existing related patents, they have nothing to do with the Korean Sehan Group. Therefore, the court subpoena from the Sehan Group is completely useless."
Cheng Xiaohua, the technical director in charge of hardware development, stood up at the right time and explained to everyone: "Our Tianyin MP3 is a new product developed independently. It has nothing to do with the Shihan Group. The main ones involved are the French Thomson Group, the Dutch Royal Philips, and the American AT&T and other large European and American companies."
Although the first commercial MP3 was developed by South Korea, the relevant patented technology was actually born as early as 1988, and the MP3 standard was formulated shortly thereafter. Major manufacturers and research institutions in related fields joined in and built a strong patent barrier.
Among modern technology companies, no one dares to say that they never infringe on patents. They are often interdependent, and the only problem is that lawsuits are a little more troublesome.
Lu Yiming continued Cheng Xiaohua's words and said, "Currently, the main holder of the MP3 patent is Germany's 'Fraunhofer Institute'. I will find a way to obtain the relevant authorization, so the lawsuit with South Korea is not the key."
After making things clear, everyone was finally calmed down temporarily.
Although everyone was still not optimistic about the MP3 project, Lu Yiming was the boss and Zheng Youyuan was not around, so no one could stop him from "going his own way".
After the meeting, Lu Yiming was about to leave when Song Honglin rushed to his side in two or three steps.
"Mr. Lu, wait a moment."
"What's the matter? Is there something wrong?"
"Well, Mr. Lu, do you really have a way to get the patent license for MP3?"
Song Honglin asked cautiously, staring at Lu Yiming, trying to see through his true thoughts.
However, what made him speechless was that Lu Yiming simply shook his head and said, "There is absolutely nothing I can do for the time being. Foreigners are always arrogant. If a Xia country company like us goes there to negotiate, I'm afraid we won't even be able to get through the gate and will be kicked out by the security guards."
Song Honglin was dumbfounded when he heard the answer: "Mr. Lu, this is not the time to joke."
Lu Yiming still had a relaxed expression on his face: "I'm not kidding, but although I don't have a solution, there are people who do."
"who?"
“Bill Gates.”
“…”
After returning to the office, Lu Yiming calculated the time and called Bill Gates at 11 o'clock in the morning.
At this moment, it is eight o'clock in the evening in Seattle time.
"Good evening, Bill. We haven't been in touch for a while since we parted in the United States."
"Good evening, Lu, how have you been?"
Bill Gates also values Lu Yiming as a partner. After all, the cooperation on the USB flash drive project has made him a lot of money. He has even ordered that all the functions of USB flash drives be integrated into the next generation of Windows system.
Lu Yiming said: "Thanks to you, I have been doing pretty well recently."
After a few pleasantries, Lu Yiming got straight to the point: "Bill, I have a new project on hand, are you interested?"
Bill Gates laughed and said, "As long as there is a project that can make money, I am interested in it."
"You're so direct, but I like it."
Lu Yiming made a joke, and then continued: "I have made a little gadget now. Have you heard of MP3? Your American company Dimeng recently had a lawsuit with a record company because of this."
Bill Gates was somewhat impressed by this incident, so he nodded and asked, "Why, are you planning to do this too?"
"why not?"
Lu Yiming smiled slightly and said, "How about it? Are you interested in joining?"
He wanted to get Bill Gates to join him, after all, patent issues needed someone's help.
However, what Lu Yiming did not expect was that Bill Gates actually rejected his proposal.
"The Supreme Alliance is doing very well. I don't think you can compete with him."
Fortunately, Lu Yiming had considered this situation. He knew very well that Bill Gates was an old fox who would not release the eagle until he saw the rabbit.
"What if I tell you that Steve Jobs is also working on MP3 players? Do you think Diamond will be a competitor to Apple?"
"Oh, by the way, their MacOSX operating system is almost ready..."
Without Steve Jobs , Apple would be no match for Microsoft.
However, Bill Gates couldn't help but feel wary of Steve Jobs, who chose to return to Apple. The two were both enemies and close friends, and the grievances and hatreds between them could not be told in three days and three nights.
But no matter what, Bill Gates still recognized the talents of Steve Jobs. He knew that he was a marketing genius and might be able to make Microsoft's old rival Apple turn around.
It is true that at this time, in order to avoid being broken up due to antitrust laws, Microsoft really needs a "competitor".
But in order to maintain its dominant position in the operating system, this "competitor" must not be too strong.
So Bill Gates needed someone to help him deal with Boss Joe.
"Can you handle Jobs?"
Bill Gates' tone was somewhat doubtful. He obviously didn't think Lu Yiming had this ability.
Lu Yiming didn't care about it: "Whether it's possible or not, you'll know after trying. Moreover, even in the worst case scenario, I can at least help you to tie up some of his energy and slow down the development of Apple."
"What do you need me to do?"
After pondering for a moment, Bill Gates finally chose to agree to Lu Yiming's request. After all, there was no loss for Microsoft.
"I need you to help me get the relevant patent license for MP3, and I will pay for it."
"Yes, sure."
The two men quickly reached a deal because both parties had made money from their previous collaboration on the USB flash drive, so Bill Gates seemed very easy to talk to.
What's more, now they have a common opponent. Bill Gates is happy to cause trouble for his old friend Steve Jobs, so that Apple's strength will not threaten Microsoft's dominance in the operating system field after it grows.
A few weeks later, in front of the court in the center of Baiyun City.
When Lu Yiming arrived at the scene with his legal team, reporters immediately surrounded them.
"Mr. Lu, is it true that Mingyuan Technology's MP3 has infringed on the technology?"
Facing the reporter's question, Lu Yiming refuted with a righteous face: "Nonsense, the core concept of our Mingyuan Technology is technological innovation and independent research and development. Every year, the funds invested in the field of research and development account for as much as a quarter, which is the highest in the world."
"It is clear that the Korean companies are afraid of the potential of our Mingyuan Technology, so they are deliberately suppressing it. This behavior is extremely bad and their intentions should be punished!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the scene was immediately filled with tension.
Lu Yiming directly turned this infringement lawsuit into a commercial conflict between Xia and Bang. At this moment, it seemed as if Mingyuan Technology had become a lone hero being persecuted by foreign enemies.
The reporters' eyes lit up with excitement, and they asked again, as if they were just looking for trouble.
"So, Mr. Lu, you will choose to fight to the end?"
"Isn't this a matter of course?"
After that, Lu Yiming raised his right arm in public and shouted: "As a Xia country enterprise, we, Mingyuan Technology, will never bow to foreign capital!"
How could the photographers miss this scene? They raised their cameras and took pictures non-stop.
At this moment, Li Dongtai from Shihan Group came with his team and looked at Lu Yiming with a sneer. The two men's eyes met and they immediately became confrontational. It seemed as if sparks were exploding in the air.
Seeing the people from Sehan Group coming, these reporters who were eager to watch the fun became even more excited. They even wished that the two of them would fight on the spot, so that it would be the front page headline tomorrow morning.
It’s a pity that both Lu Yiming and Li Dongtai are obviously decent people. As the saying goes, a gentleman uses his mouth rather than his hands, and killing does not necessarily require bloodshed.
Sometimes words are more cruel than violence.
Li Dongtai sneered at Lu Yiming and said, "You are bound to lose this lawsuit."
Li Dongtai, who thought he had won, did not take Lu Yiming seriously at all. However, just as he was about to turn around and walk into the court, Lu Yiming let out a scornful laugh.
Li Dongtai frowned, turned his head coldly, and his eyes fell on Lu Yiming again: "What are you laughing at?"
"Of course I'm laughing at your stupidity."
"Bold! "
"rude!"
"How dare you talk to Mr. Li like that? Do you know what you are doing?"
Before Li Dongtai opened his mouth, several lackeys around him could no longer sit still. Although they were obviously Xia people, they all jumped out indignantly to speak up for their "master", as if the people being scolded were not Bang people, but their own fathers.
Lu Yiming glanced at these people coldly, and said with contempt and sarcasm: "A small official serves a big official, and he is flattering to please him. If you can serve your parents like this, wouldn't you be a filial son?"
The reporters around immediately picked up their cameras and started taking pictures, and their pens kept writing. Such a violent plot was what they loved to see the most.
Several senior executives of the Xiaguo branch of the Shihan Group suddenly lost their composure and pointed at Lu Yiming's nose and shouted, "Who are you scolding?"
"Why, did I say something wrong?"
Lu Yiming didn't even take the Shihan Group seriously, let alone Li Dongtai's lackeys. He looked directly into Li Dongtai's eyes and said, "Keep your dog under control. Xia Country is not a place where you can run wild. When friends come, we have wine and meat. When jackals come, we have hunting rifles."
After saying this, he ignored Li Dongtai's changeable expression, shook his sleeves, and strode into the courtroom.
After everyone arrived, the trial began immediately.
In the court, both parties took their seats.
Because the trial was open to the public, the auditorium was almost packed with people, including not only reporters from major newspapers, but also entrepreneurs from the Xia country who were paying attention to this matter.
In court, the lawyer of Sehan Group, as the representative of the plaintiff, spoke first. He took out a bunch of so-called evidence and began to sue Mingyuan Technology for infringement.
After he finished his speech, Li Qiu, the representative of the defendant's legal team, calmly straightened his collar and stood up.
With a disdainful smile on his face, he asked his assistant to take out a file from his briefcase, and then he spoke to the judge and jury: "We have obtained patent authorizations from Fraunhofer Institute, Thomson, Royal Philips and AT&T. The accusation of Sehan Group is completely false."
After Li Qiu submitted pieces of evidence one by one, Li Dongtai, who had been calm and composed, suddenly panicked. He looked at Lu Yiming, who was sitting in the dock, with an expression of disbelief.
"Impossible, how could you possibly get a patent?!"
It took a huge price for Sehan Group to obtain the relevant technical patent authorization for MP3. The key is time!
It's only been a few days?
How could Lu Yiming possibly deal with so many European and American companies and research institutions so quickly?
This doesn't make any sense!
In any case, Li Dongtai couldn't believe this was true.
Gradually, he felt that things were getting out of his control. When he thought about the consequences of not being able to fulfill his promise to Joe Bert, Li Dongtai broke out in a cold sweat.
People who come out of Wall Street don’t like to talk about reason!
