Oh yeah right, like the world needs LucasII
I had this question for my attorney a few years ago when trying secure a patent for an efficiency electric motor design.
After hiring a professional search firm, and then spending my new-engine budget on the filing, the USPTO regected mine because of similar previous artwork from a guy in Taiwan(six months after I originally conceived of it
).
I could have filed an appeal, but if the idea actually took off, everything gained could have been lost in an infringment battle.
In his opinion, the average costs for defending a patent for anything worthwhile were about $5mil, but if the lawfirm determines that the product and the suit have validity, they will take the case on contingency(50%?) with a retainer fee.
He basically said that the patent is only a right to sue. Winning and collecting is another matter which could be dragged out for years while the violator makes money, chpt11's, and moves to Tahiti.
The Wright brothers had an epic battle with Curtis over airplane design which lasted years and years and could have bankrupted them both.