Silicon Valley is currently up against Hollywood, I wouldn't expect a huge uproar about this from their figureheads; since as I said Acacia would have to be out of their minds to go after MS/others. You're right, this is a shakedown, plain and simple. Trademarks and patents being the stupid things they are, you can't get rid of them without going to court. I'm hoping to slip under the radar, but I'll contribute to the 'Free Ron Levi' fund when they pass the hat at Internext 2004.
C.