章 74: Chapter 74: Kicking Atari! - Part 1
After leaving Sidley Austin, Ethan Jones headed straight to Atari.
Thanks to prior communication, upon arrival, he directly met Nolan Bushnell and Don Valentine, who had been waiting for quite some time.
Perhaps because the plan was in place, Nolan Bushnell wore a smile, while Don Valentine, likely to ensure the plan's tight implementation, maintained a scowling expression.
Even when Nolan Bushnell poured water for Ethan Jones, he gave a disdainful snort.
"Oh, Ethan, you don't need to mind him," Nolan Bushnell waved his hand, signaling Ethan Jones not to pay attention.
Ethan Jones shook his head repeatedly, looking embarrassed. "Oh, Nolan, what right do I have to say these things now?"
"I've consulted a lawyer, and it seems my 'Snake Game' may really have infringed."
'!'
As soon as these words were spoken, Nolan Bushnell's eyes lit up. But the next second, he restrained himself, not wanting to reveal his joy.
At the same time, Don Valentine chimed in, mocking—
"Ha! I've consulted a lawyer too, and it seems my 'Snake Game' may really have infringed!"
Don Valentine first imitated Ethan Jones' tone, repeating his words.
Then, he raised his voice, speaking condescendingly, "Ethan Jones! How many days did we give you? Four days? Five days? Did it take you this long to realize there was no misunderstanding in the patent?"
"Oh! You're truly amazing! I almost want to applaud you. Finally, you've learned to read!"
Nolan Bushnell frowned at the merciless words.
But just as he was about to interrupt, Don Valentine's mouth was faster than his thoughts.
"Since this is not a misunderstanding, shouldn't you give us an accurate answer?"
"Are you ready to take responsibility like a man, or do you want to continue procrastinating like a baby?"
"If it's the former, I, Don Valentine, will truly admire you because you dare to face the consequences!"
"And if it's the latter, then I, Don Valentine, can only apologize in advance!"
"Because our lawyers have prepared the lawsuit! We can file it tomorrow!"
"Don't worry, we only have three demands, not as extravagant as you might think!"
With a muffled sound, Don Valentine threw a document onto the coffee table in front of Ethan Jones.
Taking a look, the demands were surprisingly straightforward.
Atari demanded Ethan Jones to pay one million dollars in compensation for Magnavox's claim, and Ethan Jones also had to compensate Atari for concealing the patent infringement of "Snake Game" and terminating the contract prematurely due to legal disputes, amounting to three million dollars.
The former demanded one million, and the latter, Atari sought three million from Ethan Jones.
Honestly, when Ethan Jones discovered that Atari wanted him to pay five million in compensation, he nearly cried!
After all, the net profit of "Snake Game" wasn't even close to five million! These people could have just taken it forcefully, but they insisted on this cooperative charade, which was truly touching!
After reading the terms, Ethan Jones's face was filled with shock. "Five million dollars? Oh, I can't accept this! Because even if 'Snake Game' sells for a year, it won't earn five million dollars!"
"I thought we came here for an amicable separation, but you guys—"
"Ah, ha? Amicable separation? Oh, Ethan! Why are you so naive?" Before Ethan Jones could finish, Don Valentine loudly exclaimed, "You unilaterally violated the law! You led our Atari into the abyss! And now you want an amicable separation in this situation?"
"Then you might as well kill us and surrender!"
"Go tell the judge—'I'm innocent!'"
"Dxxn!" Hearing this, Nolan Bushnell finally couldn't hold back.
"Don! Shut your damn mouth!" He glared at Don Valentine and shouted, "We're here today to solve the problem! If you don't want to solve it, then please, leave!"
'???'
Nolan Bushnell's outburst puzzled Don Valentine.
He didn't understand why his companion suddenly erupted.
But when he caught the urgency in Nolan Bushnell's eyes, he instantly woke up!
This was, after all, the land of the free, and there were more people than guns!
If Ethan Jones really pulled out a gun from his waist and shot them, as he said, everything would be over!
Thinking of this, Don Valentine immediately shut up.
But he wouldn't lose in terms of momentum.
He crossed his hands and leaned back.
The air of a bandit was so strong that it seemed like he might as well engrave 'I live in San Lodo, a five-star citizen' on his forehead!
As he fell silent, Nolan Bushnell sighed with relief.
Turning his gaze back to Ethan Jones, Nolan Bushnell, seeing his unpleasant expression, lowered his voice and said in a calm tone, "Ethan, you might think five million in compensation is a bit much, but this figure has been accurately calculated."
"Firstly, the one million compensation claimed by Magnavox is fixed, as it's not our request."
"Secondly, the one million for concealing patent infringement is calculated based on a licensing fee of one hundred dollars per machine. If you think this price is too high, you can go and ask other companies, ask those being sued by Magnavox. They'll tell you that Magnavox's patent fees start at eight percent of the selling price per unit."
"Finally, the three million for premature termination, we, Atari, won't get a penny of that actually."
At this point, Nolan Bushnell's tone became somewhat melancholic. "This money is mainly for Midway Games and Chicago Coin because, like us, they've also been sued by Magnavox."
"In the lawsuits they received, Magnavox demanded one and a half million dollars in compensation."
"And the remaining one and a half million is for obtaining patent authorization."
Oh my goodness!
Nolan Bushnell's words almost moved Ethan Jones to tears!
Atari demanded five million in compensation from him, yet they didn't take a penny themselves?
What kind of selfless spirit was this!
If Steve Jobs were present, he might kneel down in admiration!
Because Nolan Bushnell and Don Valentine were obviously more compassionate than the Buddha who fed eagles!
"So that's how it is?" Ethan Jones nodded slightly, indicating that he understood. "If all this money is used for compensation, then I have no objections. Since I made a mistake, I should bear the consequences."
'!'
Nolan Bushnell's words made Ethan Jones' mouth curve upwards.
Gazing discreetly at Don Valentine, the latter's tightly stretched cheeks were subtly trembling, trying to conceal his joy.
Four eyes met, and the message was conveyed.
Nolan Bushnell, knowing the opportunity had come, eagerly rubbed his hands. "Oh, Ethan! I have to admit! You're definitely the most responsible man I've ever seen! You're like the cowboy of Texas! A hero on horseback!"
Outrageously flattering words made Ethan Jones yawn in his heart, but on his face, he revealed a helpless smile.
"Responsibility? Oh, Nolan—in our era, responsibility is a derogatory term. I also want to carry everything like Clark Kent, but... I admit, I can't, because I can
't come up with that much money."
"Don't even talk about five million; I can't even afford the one million that Magnavox is demanding."
As Ethan Jones sighed with a face full of despair, witnessing all this, Nolan Bushnell and Don Valentine's pupils exuded indescribable excitement!
Because the current scene was exactly the result they wanted!
Without hesitation, Nolan Bushnell cleared his throat and sat directly next to Ethan Jones, saying, "Oh, Ethan, my friend, please don't be so disheartened, because this matter hasn't reached the point of no return yet."
"Do you remember a few days ago when I apologized to you? At that time, I said that until the whole matter was resolved, Atari might not be able to pay the second-phase dividends for 'Snake Game' to you. But now..."
"We can settle it in a different way."
"Your second-phase dividends are 1.37 million. Let's just offset it against the 1.5 million. After deducting this amount, you only need to raise 350,000 more for us."
"See, just use your brain a little, and you can instantly solve thirty percent of the funding problem!"
"The remaining 350,000 shouldn't be difficult for you, right? After all, your uncle's orchard has been running for many years, and with so many years of accumulation... I mean, his connections should be extensive, right? You can easily solve some difficulties with his help, right?"
Damn it!
Ethan was furious!
These bastards really didn't want any green!
They wanted him to deceive Thomas and Linda's savings?
Although Ethan Jones understood that these were just words, the anger that surged up made him want to raise his fist and punch the hell out of them!
But thinking that these people hadn't stated their true purpose yet, Ethan Jones restrained himself.
"But this still isn't enough." He said, "Even though Thomas has managed well these years, there isn't much savings at home. Earlier, when I told him I wanted to start a business, he said he could only give me a hundred thousand..."
"These funds are simply not enough, right?"
"I have to compensate you 3.5 million, and then another million for Magnavox. That's a shortfall of 4.5 million!"
"This is a forty-five times difference!"
"Even if I go to California and work as a meat truck driver, I still can't earn that much!"
Depressed words made Nolan Bushnell glance at Don Valentine.
Both knew that the water in the pot was almost boiling.
"Ethan, Ethan, don't be like this."
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